F1 & the 2010 Rear Diffusers

February 12, 2010 · Posted in Formula 1 

Last year’s Formula 1 season began with a huge controversy over rear diffusers. Namely over three teams, Brawn, Williams and Toyota, who had interpreted the regulations in a manner differently from the rest of the grid. The advantages that the “Diffuser Gang” were getting from their set-ups was quite noticeable during the final days of testing. When I say noticeable I mean that the double-diffuser cars were posting half a second faster times. Formula 1 racing is measured in hundredths and thousandths of a second. Therefore, half a second is a massive advantage.

Without getting into too much tech-speak, the rear diffuser on an F1 car separates the air flowing under the car to reduce drag and increase downforce. Reduced drag and increased downforce equates a faster and more stable car on the track.

Naturally, the other teams cried foul and much of the beginning of the 2009 season was spent discussing rear diffusers and how exactly the FIA regulations were worded. At the end of all of the meetings it was decided that Brawn, Williams and Toyota were not in fault of the rules, causing the other teams to frantically re-modify their cars for the new diffusers. Not a simple or inexpensive feat to pull off.

Formula 1 is not without its politics and its controversies and it will be interesting to see what the start of this season will bring. So, for a bit of fun, I have attempted to collect photos of the current challengers’ rear diffusers for comparison:

Ferrari F10

McLaren MP4

Mercedes MGPW01

Red Bull RB6

Renault R30

BMW Sauber C29

Toro Rosso STR5

Virgin Racing VR01

Williams FW32

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