Formula One Technology Explained - Rear Wing Profiles

In 2009 the FIA introduced a multitude of changes – the most obvious being the dramatic changes to the aerodynamic regulations of the cars. These changes were implemented to reduce the amount of aerodynamic turbulence behind the car, thus increasing the amount of overtaking between battling cars.

Rear Wing

The rear wing assists the front wing and rear diffuser in the overall downforce setup of the car. The angle of the wing is adjusted according to each specific Grand Prix circuit, depending on the amount of downforce required, the weather and the amount of mechanical grip available.

This component is also the final link in the aerodynamic chain, as airflow that has passed over and under the car must be managed to reduce ‘dirty’ air as it exits at the rear.

The end plates located at the sides of the wing are designed to smooth the meeting of two different airflows – the high pressure air above the car tries to switch places with the low pressure air below the car and it is this that causes the spinning flow of air behind the car. When these two forces meet they form a ‘vortex’, a spinning flow of air which is very turbulent.

The rear wing is much taller and narrower than previously. The height has increased 150mm and must be level with the top of the engine cover. The width of the rear wing has significantly decreased from 1000mm to 750mm. All of these changes are intended to lessen the amount of aerodynamic turbulence, allowing the cars to race closer to each other, increasing the number of opportunities to overtake.