T-wing

A T-wing is a small, thin aerodynamic wing mounted on a vertical support that creates a "T" shape, used in Formula 1 cars to generate extra downforce and improve airflow to the rear wing.

Think of a T-wing like a tiny airplane wing turned upside down. While airplane wings create lift to help planes fly up, the T-wing pushes down on the car to help it stick to the track better. This downward force is called downforce, and it helps drivers take corners faster without sliding off the track.

The T-wing gets its name from its distinctive T-shaped appearance when viewed from the side. The horizontal wing element sits on top of a vertical support post, creating the letter "T." This small device is typically mounted on the car's bodywork, positioned above and in front of the main rear wing.

Beyond generating its own downforce, the T-wing serves another important purpose: it cleans up the messy air flowing toward the rear wing. As air moves over and around a Formula 1 car at high speeds, it becomes turbulent and chaotic. The T-wing helps straighten out this airflow, allowing the larger rear wing to work more effectively.

T-wings became famous during the 2017 Formula 1 season when teams discovered a loophole in the racing regulations. The rulebook didn't specifically prohibit these devices, so clever engineers added them to gain a competitive advantage. Multiple teams quickly adopted similar T-wing designs throughout that season.

However, the T-wing's time in Formula 1 was short-lived. The FIA, which governs Formula 1 racing, became concerned about safety issues. These small wings would sometimes vibrate violently or even break off during races, creating potential hazards. Additionally, regulators worried about teams making aerodynamics overly complex.

As a result, the FIA changed the rules for the 2018 season, effectively banning T-wings from Formula 1 cars. While they only appeared for one full season, T-wings represent a perfect example of how racing teams constantly push the boundaries of regulations to find speed advantages.