Note: Bear with me for this post, the Formula 1 season kicks off tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited.
The magic of Formula 1 car is not in its straight-line speed, but rather the speed that it can carry through corners. Its aerodynamic design creates downforce, which is downward air pressure that glues the car to the track. Immense amounts of downforce help the car maintain grip and pace as it hurtles through corners.
Another factor that influences cornering speed is the curbs at the edge of the track. Drivers are allowed to drive on the curbs so long as two of the four wheels of their car remain on the track. This allows them to increase their entry angle and carry more speed into each corner. There is a risk / reward trade-off though: driving on the curb can unsettle the balance of the car, and in the worse case can result in a crash.
Using more curb introduces more risk.
What I love about Formula 1 drivers is they always use all of the curb available to them. There is no debate. They’re playing right to the edge of the rules, and pushing the car to its absolute limit. It’s a way and style of play that is inspiring and awe-inspiring.
Let the season begin!