F1 EXPLAINED: How does the FIA create regulatory aerodynamic concepts with Siemens?

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Having recently named Siemens its "Official Digital Twin Sponsor," Formula One's governing body, the FIA has explained how the company provides tools that contribute to the development of next‑generation race car regulations.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has strengthened its collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries Software, naming the company its “Official Digital Twin Sponsor” and integrating a wider range of Siemens Xcelerator tools into the development of next‑generation race car regulations.

The move coincides with Siemens joining the FIA’s newly established Global Partnership Programme, which brings together leading technology organisations committed to advancing innovation, sustainability, and safety across global motorsport and mobility.

The FIA will significantly expand its use of Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio to design and refine the aerodynamic concepts that shape the rule sets for single‑seater categories from Formula 1 to Formula 4. By relying on digital twin technology, the FIA can construct highly detailed virtual models of future race cars and evaluate their aerodynamic behaviour long before any physical prototype is produced.

Using Siemens’ Designcenter NX software, the FIA’s aerodynamics department can create complex 3D geometries, visualise them with lifelike accuracy, and iterate rapidly.

These models are then subjected to extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, enabling engineers to analyse airflow structures, downforce characteristics, wake turbulence, and safety‑critical aerodynamic responses in a controlled digital environment.

This virtual‑first approach dramatically reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing physical prototypes and conducting repeated wind tunnel tests. Since 2022, the FIA has generated more than 14,000 individual CAD components and conducted over 10,000 CFD simulations using Siemens tools — a scale of analysis that would be impractical using traditional development methods.

The FIA emphasises that the expanded partnership will directly support its long‑term objectives for the next generation of single‑seater regulations. Digital twin technology allows the governing body to evaluate how aerodynamic concepts influence wake behaviour and overtaking potential, helping ensure that future cars promote closer, more competitive racing.

Jason Somerville, the FIA’s head of aerodynamics, noted that Siemens’ software provides the precision required to test complex aerodynamic interactions virtually. He highlighted that this capability is essential for improving performance and safety while supporting the FIA’s commitment to achieving net‑zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Craig Edmondson, the FIA’s chief commercial officer, added that Siemens’ involvement demonstrates the strength of the FIA’s broader partner network, which brings together world‑class companies to advance performance, sustainability, and technological innovation across motorsport.

Beyond aerodynamic development, the FIA will broaden its use of Siemens’ Teamcenter X platform for product lifecycle management (PLM). This system will serve as a centralised environment for managing regulatory data, technical documentation, and collaborative workflows across the FIA’s championships.

The governing body will also extend its adoption of Siemens’ Simcenter suite, including Amesim, STAR‑CCM+, and HEEDS. These tools will enhance the FIA’s ability to simulate vehicle systems, optimise design parameters, and explore a wider range of regulatory scenarios.

Their application will support not only aerodynamic research but also investigations into power units, energy recovery systems, and vehicle dynamics.

Siemens’ integration into the FIA Global Partnership Programme underscores the governing body’s commitment to leveraging advanced digital engineering to shape the future of motorsport.

Nand Kochhar, Siemens’ vice president for Automotive and Transportation, stated that the collaboration demonstrates how digital transformation can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced mobility landscape.

By embedding Siemens’ digital twin and simulation technologies into its regulatory development process, the FIA is positioning itself "to deliver more efficient, environmentally responsible, and competition‑enhancing rule sets for the next era of single‑seater racing."