Kink

A kink in motorsport is a slight bend or curve in a racetrack that drivers can typically navigate at high speed without needing to brake or make significant steering adjustments.

Unlike sharp corners that force drivers to slow down considerably, a kink represents only a minor deviation from a straight section of track. Think of it as a gentle curve that barely interrupts the flow of racing at maximum speed. The term gets its name from the way these subtle bends create a small "kink" in what would otherwise be a straight line.

Drivers approach kinks with minimal steering input – often just a quick flick of the steering wheel or a slight adjustment to their racing line. The goal is to maintain as much speed as possible while safely navigating the curve. Braking is usually unnecessary unless the driver has misjudged their approach speed or the kink is particularly sharp.

While kinks may seem simple compared to tight hairpin turns, they present their own unique challenges. At high speeds, even small mistakes can have serious consequences. Drivers must judge their speed and trajectory perfectly to avoid running wide off the track or unsettling their car's balance.

Famous examples of kinks include Blanchimont at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, where Formula 1 drivers take a fast left-hand curve at nearly full speed. The now-removed Masta Kink at the same circuit was historically one of the most dangerous sections in motorsport due to its high-speed nature.

Kinks also test a race car's aerodynamic setup. At high speeds, any instability in the car's aerodynamics becomes more apparent, making these seemingly simple curves a valuable diagnostic tool for engineers and drivers working to optimize their vehicle's performance.