Weight Distribution

Weight distribution refers to how a vehicle's mass is allocated between its front and rear, typically expressed as a percentage ratio (e.g., 45/55). This fundamental characteristic significantly influences how a race car handles on the track.

Proper weight distribution affects nearly every aspect of vehicle performance. A balanced distribution (close to 50/50) generally provides neutral handling, while front-heavy cars tend to understeer and rear-heavy vehicles are more prone to oversteer. During acceleration, weight shifts rearward, improving traction; during braking, it shifts forward, enhancing stopping power.

Teams adjust weight distribution by strategically positioning components like the engine, fuel tank, and ballast. In Formula 1, engineers might spend hours fine-tuning distribution to match specific track characteristics, sometimes shifting weight by just a few percentage points to achieve optimal performance.