F1 Glossary · cars
Rear Wing
The rear wing is a large aerodynamic device at the back of an F1 car that creates downforce for grip and stability during high-speed turns.
Aerodynamic Function and Design
The rear wing is one of the most critical aerodynamic components on a Formula 1 car. Located at the trailing edge of the chassis, its primary purpose is to generate downforce. By using an inverted airfoil shape, the wing creates a high-pressure area above it and a low-pressure area beneath it, effectively pushing the car into the track surface. This increased vertical load allows the tires to achieve higher levels of grip, enabling drivers to take corners at much higher speeds than would otherwise be possible.
Performance Trade-offs
While downforce is essential for cornering, it comes at the cost of aerodynamic drag. A larger, more upright wing—often called a "barn door" wing—provides massive grip but slows the car down on straightaways. Conversely, a "skinny" wing reduces drag for higher top speeds but makes the car unstable in turns. Teams must choose a specific wing profile for every circuit. For example, at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, teams run extremely thin wings to maximize speed on long straights. In contrast, at the Monaco Grand Prix, they use the largest wings possible to navigate the tight, slow corners.
The Role of DRS
Modern F1 rear wings incorporate the Drag Reduction System (DRS). This driver-controlled mechanism allows the upper flap of the wing to lift, opening a gap that reduces the surface area facing the wind. This significantly cuts drag and increases top speed by approximately 10–12 km/h, facilitating overtaking. This was famously utilized by Red Bull Racing in recent seasons to achieve superior straight-line speeds even when their rivals had similar engine power.
Common Misconceptions
Viewers often confuse the main rear wing with the "beam wing," which is a smaller set of aerodynamic elements located lower down, just above the diffuser. Additionally, while the rear wing provides stability, it must be balanced with the front wing. If the rear wing provides too much downforce relative to the front, the car will suffer from understeer, where it resists turning into a corner.
Common questions
- What is DRS?
- DRS stands for Drag Reduction System. It is a driver-activated mechanism that opens a flap on the rear wing. This reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the car to gain extra top speed on designated straightaways to assist in overtaking.
- Why do teams change the rear wing for different races?
- Teams adjust the wing size and angle to suit the track layout. High-speed tracks like Monza require low-drag "skinny" wings for top speed, while high-downforce tracks like Singapore require large, steep wings to help the car grip through frequent, slow corners.
- What is a beam wing?
- The beam wing is a smaller aerodynamic structure located underneath the main rear wing. It helps direct airflow coming off the back of the car and works with the rear diffuser to increase the overall downforce generated at the back of the vehicle.