Why so many F1 teams don’t understand their cars

Developing a Formula 1 car is easy, right? Pile on the downforce, generate more grip as a result, the corner speeds improve and the laptimes come down. While that’s an oversimplification, the basic principle is that if you can add ever-more downforce that works consistently through a wide range of corner speed profiles without it being excessively draggy you will get quicker. That was certainly the case under the old F1 rules in place to the end of 2021, as teams kept finding ways to make downforce gains and performance continued on an upward curve. But under the ground effect regulations introduced in 2022, which brought back powerful venturi tunnels in the underfloor, it has become a little more complicated - and confusing. 00:00 Complicated and confusing 01:27 The challenge 04:04 Confounding factors 06:17 McLaren’s success 08:21 End of the development road? Subscribe: Website: Twitter: @wearetherace Instagram: @wearetherace Facebook: Podcasts: Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, please also hit subscribe to show your support so we’ll keep doing what we’re doing. #f1 #formula1 #formulaone #grandprix #f12024 #f1news #therace #redbull #ferrari #mercedes #mclaren #williams #haas #astonmartin #alpine #renault #sauber #audi #maxverstappen #fernandoalonso #georgerussell