The past has been a source of inspiration in crafting the current regulations. To reduce the aerodynamic sensitivity of the cars, the FIA and Formula 1 harked back to the late ’70s cars, which utilized Venturi channels on the underbody to take ground-effect aerodynamics to a new level. However, another innovation from that era was also considered for the new era of the sport. It’s the fan of the Brabham BT46, which generated aerodynamic downforce by sucking air from the ground. While safety concerns back then led to the demise of this concept, the concerns for the new regulations were more related to the spectacle.
The Brabham BT46
In 1978, Brabham presented a rather unique single-seater for the Swedish Grand Prix, destined to captivate enthusiasts. The BT46 featured a powerful rear fan, capable of accelerating the air under the car. The resulting low-pressure zone under the car generated massive aerodynamic downforce, to the extent that with the fan running, the Brabham was effectively sucked down to the ground even when stationary. For the BT46, Gordon Murray drew inspiration from the Chaparral 2J, a futuristic American sports prototype equipped with twin rear fans. This design earned it the nickname “Fan Car.”
The Brabham fan car made its debut at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. By Ecclestone’s order, both BT46s qualified on hard tires with a full fuel load. However, this tactic couldn’t hide the potential of Murray’s creation, which qualified second and third with Watson and Lauda, respectively. It was Lauda who ultimately secured victory in the race, benefiting from Andretti’s retirement.
To this day, this remains the only appearance of a fan car in Formula 1. A chorus of protest from rival teams arose, but the final judgment came from the Federation. The BT46 was banned due to safety concerns, including the expulsion of stones and debris from the fan towards pursuing cars. Nonetheless, Fan Cars have never left the collective imagination, to the extent that they reemerged in the drafting of the 2022 regulations.
The idea which was not eventually used
The goal for the current regulations was to reduce the vortices generated by the single-seaters to enhance overtaking opportunities. In doing so, the FIA and Formula 1 had to devise a solution to compensate for the loss of aerodynamic downforce and performance. In the end, the choice fell on Venturi channels and ground-effect aerodynamics. Still, among the evaluated proposals, there was also the possibility of a new generation of Fan Cars.
Nikolas Tombazis, Head of the FIA Single-Seater Division, explained to FormulaPassion the reasons for rejecting the idea: “Fan cars have never been used consistently. Besides Brabham, there was also the Chaparral 2J, and even this year, an experimental car circulated at Goodwood. These are very interesting engineering projects. However, when they end up in the hands of a thousand engineers from Ferrari, Mercedes, or Red Bull, you don’t know where they might end up. We need to be cautious when evaluating these paths.”
The concern was that it could open a development race with unpredictable outcomes. Furthermore, they wanted to avoid reducing the category to an engineering competition, where the winner would be whoever created the best fan. “In general, we are careful not to create performance gaps or battle zones that are difficult to control,” Tombazis added. “That’s why we are against reintroducing blown exhausts, which allowed engine development to influence aerodynamics. It created battle areas so strong that they risked compromising the competitiveness of the championship.”
While safety played a crucial role in banning the Brabham BT46, the show factor ensured the return of Fan Cars remains an unfulfilled suggestion. The FIA’s approach seeks a better balance between technology and spectacle, where car development doesn’t come at the expense of on-track competition. “We must remember that Formula 1 is not a sport for the amusement of those designing the cars, although some may enjoy it, including me. There is also a responsibility to the fans,” Nikolas Tombazis concluded.
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