In 2010, Formula 1 teams figured out a way to use the exhaust gases to make their cars faster. And as a welcome by-product, it made them sound AWESOME! But how did moving the exhaust position gain them so much performance? And why were drivers completing ENTIRE laps at full throttle.
Following the 2010 season the controversial double diffuser was banned. This left the teams with a rear downforce deficit and a problem to solve over the winter. Little did they know that one team had already found a solution. They had moved their exhaust outlets to create better airflow around the diffuser.
This was not a new solution, F1 had used it in the 80s and 90s, but what this team did was make it WAY WAY BETTER. Soon everyone would have to follow them, or be left behind.
But how did it work?
The foundation of an Formula 1 car’s speed is from downforce. This effect happens when air flows through the car very quickly. The car affects the air going over it in such a way that it creates an area of higher pressure above than the air flowing underneath the car.
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This difference in pressure creates a suction effect – this is downforce. If the car is driving quicker, the air flows over it quicker and you get even more downforce. This is what Formula 1 engineers are always trying to do, as explained by Craig Scarborough and former British racing driver and YouTube personality Scott Mansell in this video:
— see video above —
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