F1technical.net

Let's divide this topic in two parts:

1 Let's suppose aero regulations allow more downforce to be generated when vehicle is traveling (a bit) sideways to the wind, as compared to going straight.
How would this affect driving techniques? Will it bring back some drifting?

2 What aero regulations could either increase sideways downforce or reduce straight downforce, relative to each other?

They probably already do make more downforce in a "sideslip" condition than in a straight line, as you essentially have that every time you're in a corner, though aerodynamically it's not 100% accurate to think of it as just a slip angle like the tire has. If that is the case, I suspect a large portion of it would be down to endplate design, which at the moment is not that restricted.

If you want to make aero regulations that coax them into drifting around corners... make a drs that randomly opens mid corner, inducing oversteer and forcing the driver to correct. But then, if you wanted to see that, you could just watch formula D or something.

Let's suppose that these inane questions are knocked on the head?

You must know what you are thinking about mate..but really - sideways? downforce?

Are you not thinking these things through at all before you brainfart them onto this forum?

1: If the car is travelling sideways to the wind and has been optimised for this then you would not drift would you? If you got more downforce going sideways the car would grip..not slide..capisce?

2: Am sorry, but I sincerely don't want to be the annoying git that pees on your parade..but have a word and think on please


I think we should have bubblegum powered cars that have flashing lights on then and a horn that plays Cucaracha whenever you overtake someone through the bonus tunnel.



edit for typos

why should we want more downforce when going somewhat sideways ?
we might want more aero side force, because side force makes the car go round the corner
we will get more aero side force, also giving benefits to wheel load distribution, ie anti-overturning moment

how much aero side force can be made ?
how much aero side force is being made currently ? (eg ovals ?)
understeer develops aero side force the wrong way, an effect that hinders cornering

Of course if you lean the car into the corner you create a GE tunnel on the inside of the turn.
Might help increase cornering DF.

How about we rephrase the question so that it makes more sense

1 Let's suppose aero regulations allow more downforce to be generated when vehicle is cornering, as compared to going straight.
How would this affect driving techniques? Will it bring back some drifting?

Since it is the same in principle as reducing downforce at staright ahead, it'll have a similar effect on techniques as that. No

2 What aero regulations could either increase cornering downforce or reduce straight downforce, relative to each other?

What you've got already, ie adjustable aero - DRS. You could perhaps connect a flap to the steering wheel, or something like that instead. The net outcome would be the same

In principle there is no difference bewteen having a lot of DF in corners and removing it on straights, or having a certain amount on straights and adding more in corners.

For safety purposes in LMP1, the underbody has inclined sides to create a venturi and downforce should the car travel sideways.

Here's an interesting thread for those inclined to dismiss such a notion out of hand.