F1 Glossary · tracks
Banking
Banking is the lateral slope of a racetrack's surface, allowing cars to navigate corners at higher speeds by using physics to increase grip.
Banking refers to the angle at which a track surface tilts toward the inside of a turn. While many Formula 1 corners are relatively flat, banked turns are specifically engineered to allow cars to carry significantly more speed than a level surface would permit. By tilting the track, the normal force from the ground helps push the car toward the center of the turn, reducing the car's reliance on tire friction alone to stay on track.
Why Banking Matters
In a race, banking changes the fundamental racing line. On a flat corner, there is typically one optimal path. On a heavily banked turn, multiple lines often become viable because the slope provides mechanical grip across the entire width of the track. This can lead to more side-by-side racing and unique overtaking opportunities. However, banking also places immense vertical loads on the tires and suspension. As the car is compressed into the track by both aerodynamic downforce and the banking itself, teams must carefully adjust ride heights and tire pressures to prevent the floor from hitting the ground or the tires from failing under pressure.
Recent Examples in Formula 1
The most prominent modern example is the Circuit Zandvoort, home of the Dutch Grand Prix. During its renovation for the 2021 season, Turn 3 (Hugenholtz) and Turn 14 (Arie Luyendyk) were given significant banking of up to 18 degrees. This is roughly twice the steepness of the turns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These angles allow drivers to use the Drag Reduction System (DRS) earlier and take creative, wide lines to set up overtakes on the following straights.
Common Confusion
Viewers often confuse track banking with wheel camber. While they are related concepts regarding angles, camber refers to the tilt of the wheels relative to the car's chassis. Another point of confusion is "off-camber" turns. While banking (positive camber) tilts toward the corner to help the car turn, an off-camber turn slopes away from the corner, making it much harder for the driver to maintain grip and stability.
Common questions
- Which F1 track has the steepest banking?
- Circuit Zandvoort currently features the steepest banking on the F1 calendar. Its final corner, Turn 14, reaches an angle of approximately 18 degrees, which is significantly steeper than the banking found at most other international circuits.
- How does banking affect F1 tires?
- Banking increases the vertical load on tires as centrifugal force presses the car into the slope. Tire manufacturers often mandate higher minimum tire pressures at banked tracks to ensure the tire sidewalls can withstand these extreme compressive forces without deforming.
- Is banking the same as an off-camber turn?
- No. Banking (positive camber) tilts toward the inside of the turn to assist cornering. An off-camber turn (negative camber) tilts away from the corner, which reduces grip and makes the car more likely to slide toward the outside of the track.
- Can F1 cars use DRS on banked turns?
- It depends on the circuit's safety homologation. At Zandvoort, the FIA allows drivers to open the DRS wing before the final banked turn because the banking provides enough stability and downforce to safely navigate the corner with reduced rear wing drag.