The 2022 season features a new generation of Formula 1 cars that have seen the re-introduction of ground effect. F1 TV's tech analyst Sam Collins takes a deep dive into the origins of this aerodynamic phenomenon.
Ground effect is a concept with its roots in flight, but it's currently used in F1 to glue the cars to the track – and its use in racing can be traced all the way back to the 1920s.
However, it was not until 1978 – with Mario Andretti’s title-winning Lotus 79 – that Formula 1 truly saw the concept of ground effect pay dividends.
In 1982, ground effect was banned in F1, only re-emerging for the new era of F1 in 2022.
For a brief history lesson on the roots of this downforce-generating device, head to the video player above to watch an excerpt from F1 TV's Tech Talk.
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