The McLaren engineers created the infamous F-duct device last winter for the new 2010 MP4-25 Mercedes. Since then, several teams have copied and even modified this system.
The F-duct is quite simple indeed. The rear wing of a Formula 1 car generates downforce that is essential in the corners but on the same hand produces a powerful aerodynamic brake called drag.
In order to reduce drag, the McLaren engineers decided to blow air underneath the flap of the rear wing. In aviation terminology, this is called stalling the wing.
This reduces the difference of pressure between the air that circulates on top of the wing and the air that passes underneath it. This reduces drag, and therefore increases top speed.
On this photo, we see clearly the tube that directs the flow of air towards the lower portion of the rear wing of the Renault R30.
On this photo, we see the air intake that the driver blocks with his left hand when he’s driving on the straightaways. If the intake is not blocked, the air circulates normally and the rear wing generates massive downforce.
But if the driver blocks this intake with the back of his hand, it diverts the air flow underneath the rear wing, reducing downforce and increasing top speed.
Quite simple, but very efficient. Depending on the track layout, this can generate a difference of 10 km/h in top speed.
The F-duct is quite simple indeed. The rear wing of a Formula 1 car generates downforce that is essential in the corners but on the same hand produces a powerful aerodynamic brake called drag.
In order to reduce drag, the McLaren engineers decided to blow air underneath the flap of the rear wing. In aviation terminology, this is called stalling the wing.
This reduces the difference of pressure between the air that circulates on top of the wing and the air that passes underneath it. This reduces drag, and therefore increases top speed.
 |
| Photo: WRI2 |
On this photo, we see clearly the tube that directs the flow of air towards the lower portion of the rear wing of the Renault R30.
 |
| Photo: formula1.com |
On this photo, we see the air intake that the driver blocks with his left hand when he’s driving on the straightaways. If the intake is not blocked, the air circulates normally and the rear wing generates massive downforce.
But if the driver blocks this intake with the back of his hand, it diverts the air flow underneath the rear wing, reducing downforce and increasing top speed.
Quite simple, but very efficient. Depending on the track layout, this can generate a difference of 10 km/h in top speed.