Reactive Suspension

Reactive suspension is an advanced system that automatically adjusts a race car's suspension in real-time based on track conditions, forces acting on the vehicle, and driver inputs to maintain optimal performance and handling.

Think of reactive suspension as an intelligent system that constantly monitors what's happening to the car and makes instant adjustments to keep it performing at its best. Unlike traditional suspension that stays fixed once set up, reactive suspension actively responds to changes as they happen during a race.

The system works through a network of sensors placed throughout the car that measure things like wheel position, speed, and how the car is moving (whether it's rolling in corners or pitching under braking). This information feeds into a computer that controls hydraulic actuators - essentially powerful rams that can quickly adjust each wheel's position.

One of the main goals of reactive suspension is maintaining the perfect ride height - the distance between the car and the track surface. This is crucial for race cars that use aerodynamics to generate downforce, as even small changes in height can significantly affect performance. The system keeps the car level and at the optimal height regardless of bumps, banking, or forces from cornering and braking.

Lotus pioneered this technology in Formula 1 during the early 1980s, followed by successful implementations by Williams in their championship-winning cars of the early 1990s. The Williams FW14B and FW15C dominated their era partly due to their sophisticated active suspension systems.

However, Formula 1 banned active suspension systems, including reactive suspension, in 1994. Officials were concerned about cars becoming too dependent on electronic aids and wanted to keep the emphasis on driver skill. Despite this ban in F1, the technology has influenced modern road cars and continues to be used in other racing series.

The main advantages include improved aerodynamic efficiency, better tire contact with the track surface for maximum grip, and enhanced handling through better control of body movement. The downsides are increased complexity, weight, cost, and potential reliability issues due to the sophisticated components required.