Sidepod

A sidepod is a structural component located on both sides of an open-wheel racing car's cockpit that manages airflow and houses cooling equipment.

You'll find sidepods positioned between the front and rear wheels on Formula 1 cars, IndyCars, and similar racing vehicles. Think of them as the "sides" of the car that extend outward from where the driver sits.

The primary job of sidepods is to control how air moves around the car. As the vehicle speeds down the track, air hits the front of the car and needs somewhere to go. Sidepods help guide this airflow in ways that reduce drag (air resistance) and can even create downforce to keep the car planted on the track.

Inside each sidepod, you'll typically find radiators and cooling systems. Just like your car's engine needs a radiator to prevent overheating, race cars need even more sophisticated cooling because their engines work much harder. The sidepods allow air to flow through these radiators while maintaining the car's aerodynamic shape.

Modern sidepod designs have evolved significantly over the years. Earlier racing cars had taller, bulkier sidepods that focused mainly on directing air toward the rear wing. Today's sidepods are often lower and more sculpted, with some featuring the distinctive "coke bottle" shape that narrows toward the back of the car.

Each racing team designs their sidepods differently based on their aerodynamic philosophy and cooling needs. Some teams prioritize maximum cooling capacity, while others focus on creating the most aerodynamically efficient shape possible. This is why Formula 1 cars from different teams can look quite different from each other.

The importance of sidepod design cannot be overstated in modern motorsport. A well-designed sidepod can mean the difference between a car that overheats and retires from a race, versus one that maintains optimal performance throughout an entire Grand Prix weekend.