Aerodynamic Influence of Front Wing Geometry on Formula One Car Performance: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Review

2025-36-0043

12/18/2025

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During the development of modern racing cars, many aspects are considered, with one major factor being how air interacts with the structures and enhances performance on the track. Aerodynamics is a concept explored by fluid mechanics that examines the motion of air and other gases and the forces they exert on solid objects moving through them, such as drag and downforce, which are prevalent in aviation and racing categories like Formula 1 (F1). F1 is one of the most internationally renowned single-seater motorsport categories, and its development involves a complex interplay of several highly advanced systems, where aerodynamics plays a central and determining role in the car's performance. Various components compose these cars and contribute to their balance and performance, such as the power unit, suspension, diffuser, and front wing. The front wing, typically made up of one or more airfoils, interacts with several other crucial elements, including the car floor, brake ducts, radiator, sidepods, and rear wing assembly, and is vital to aerodynamic performance, generating approximately 30 to 35% of the vehicle's overall downforce. In this context, this review paper evaluates the impact of different front wing geometries on the aerodynamic performance of Formula 1 cars. This paper focuses on analyzing numerical studies using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, which is a powerful tool that employs numerical methods and algorithms to solve partial differential equations and examine issues related to fluid flows, allowing for analysis and optimization of the overall aerodynamic performance of vehicles. The literature suggests that the front wing not only improves cornering performance by increasing tire grip but also plays a critical role in redistributing airflow across the car, contributing to overall aerodynamic balance and stability.
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12
Citation
Freitas, de Camila Mendonça, Giovani Dambros Telli, and Josimar Souza Rosa, "Aerodynamic Influence of Front Wing Geometry on Formula One Car Performance: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Review," SAE Technical Paper 2025-36-0043, 2025-, .
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Published
8 hours ago
Product Code
2025-36-0043
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English