What Is Ground Effect and Why Are the 2022 F1 Teams Talking About It?
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Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – February 23, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during testing REUTERS/Albert Gea
The 2022 Formula 1 season is set to begin a new era with fresh regulations coming into play. With an added cost cap, the aim is towards ‘closer competition’ with a level playing field. Another major change this season includes a change in aerodynamics called the ‘ground effect.’ Ground effect made its debut in F1 in the late 1970s and will make its return after more than half a century.
Meet 'ground effect' a term that will become very familiar for this 2022 season with the new floors 👀🔎
Take a closer look at how the concept revolutionised Formula 1 in the mid to late 70s, alongside some of the craziest technological shake-ups we have ever seen! 🤯#F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 5, 2022
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The concept of ground effect involves using the floor of the car to create downforce. The concept of ‘venturi’ tunnels will be introduced to optimize this phenomenon.
A venturi is a small duct which expands to pull the airflow faster than streamlining. ‘Ground effect’ works on Bernoulli’s principle. However, the new cars will involve a wider area in the tunnels for better production of downforce at the corners.
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The new change could be pivotal in helping cars follow each other without being affected by ‘dirty air’. Moreover, the fully shaped underfloor tunnels are a significant upgrade to the earlier existing stepped floor.
How Will The 2022 F1 Cars Use the ‘Ground Effect’?
The 2022 regulations allow ‘ground effect’ while limiting upper body aerodynamics. Ideally, the downforce created by Venturi tunnels will diminish far less than under current regulations, allowing greater overtaking opportunities.
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Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 15, 2021 The new 2022 F1 car is unveiled during a promotional photoshoot REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
The ground effect ban in 1983 was due to safety grounds regarding the circuits raced on back then. The runoff area was minimal, which made it more dangerous for drivers. Teams like Brabham BMW were the frontrunners in the sport back then. They took great advantage of the phenomenon before cars with ground effect were eventually banned.
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The 2022 specification cars will probably be slower than their predecessor. However, the car will expect to pick up pace considerably every year. We hope to see the grid more competitive as the season rolls on. In the hybrid era, the Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton dominance kept them miles ahead of the pack. But, expect no more of the same as a new era enters Formula 1 in the next few weeks.
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