Ground Effect

Ground effect is an aerodynamic phenomenon where the underfloor of a racing car generates significant downforce by accelerating airflow through the gap between the car's floor and the track surface. When air is forced through a narrowing channel (Venturi effect), it accelerates and its pressure drops, creating a low-pressure zone under the car that sucks it towards the track. The 2022 Formula 1 regulations reintroduced ground effect as the primary source of downforce, replacing the complex aerodynamic bodywork of the previous era. Ground effect cars are characterised by their distinctive underfloor tunnels and large diffusers. The advantage of ground effect over wing-generated downforce is that it produces less drag for the same amount of downforce, and it is less sensitive to the turbulent air produced by the car ahead (making it easier to follow closely).

Ground effect was first exploited in Formula 1 by Colin Chapman and Lotus in 1977. The Lotus 78 used Venturi-shaped sidepods to create a low-pressure zone under the car. The Lotus 79 of 1978 perfected the concept, and Mario Andretti won the championship. By 1979, every team had copied the concept. Ground effect was banned in 1983 when flat bottoms were mandated. The 2022 regulations reintroduced ground effect as the primary aerodynamic concept, with the floor generating the majority of downforce.