Advancements and Innovations in Racing Car Aerodynamics: Cutting-Edge Techniques in Drag Reduction and Downforce Management

Huajie Shi

doi:10.54254/2755-2721/2025.CH24718

Applied and Computational EngineeringOpen access

Advancements and Innovations in Racing Car Aerodynamics: Cutting-Edge Techniques in Drag Reduction and Downforce Management

Research Article

Open Access

Advancements and Innovations in Racing Car Aerodynamics: Cutting-Edge Techniques in Drag Reduction and Downforce Management

Huajie Shi ^1*

¹ University of California, Riverside 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521

^*Corresponding author: shj976857035@gmail.com

Published on 4 July 2025

ACE Vol.169

ISSN (Print): 2755-273X

ISSN (Online): 2755-2721

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-209-6

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-210-2

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Abstract

Racing aerodynamics is a core research area of modern racing engineering. It reduces air resistance and increases downforce by optimizing airflow management, thereby enhancing the speed, stability and maneuverability of the racing car. In recent years, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel experimental technology have been widely used in racing aerodynamic research, helping teams in events such as F1, Le Mans and Formula E to optimize the team streamline design and the angles of the front and rear spoiler panels to achieve the best balance between straights and curves. In addition, the application of active aerodynamic systems (such as F1’s variable damping system DRS) and closed wheel design in the team further optimizes the final layout and improves the performance of the car. This study reviews the development of racing aerodynamics, analyzes the latest technologies in drag reduction and downforce management, and explores the potential application of artificial intelligence (AI optimization) in aerodynamic optimization. In the future, AI-driven intelligent aerodynamic adjustment and adaptive aerodynamic structure will become an important direction of racing aerodynamic research to improve the role of racing cars under different models and environmental conditions.

Keywords:

Racing aerodynamics, CFD, Wind tunnel experiments, AI optimization

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References

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[3]. Piechna, J. (2021). A review of active aerodynamic systems for road vehicles. Energies, 14(23), 7887.

[4]. Frömmig, L. (2023). Basic Course in Race Car Technology: Introduction to the Interaction of Tires, Chassis, Aerodynamics, Differential Locks and Frame. Springer Nature.

[5]. Zhang, X., Toet, W., & Zerihan, J. (2006). Ground effect aerodynamics of race cars. Applied Mechanics Reviews, 59(1), 33–49.

[6]. Mani, M., & Dorgan, A. J. (2023). A perspective on the state of aerospace computational fluid dynamics technology. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, 55(1), 431-457.

[7]. Bhatnagar, U. R. (2015). Formula 1 race car performance improvement by optimization of the aerodynamic relationship between the front and rear wings.

[8]. Calautit, J. K., & Hughes, B. R. (2014). Wind tunnel and CFD study of the natural ventilation performance of a commercial multi-directional wind tower. Building and environment, 80, 71-83.

[9]. Dimastrogiovanni, M., Reina, G., & Burzoni, A. (2020). An improved active drag reduction system for formula race cars. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 234(5), 1460-1471.

References

[3]. Piechna, J. (2021). A review of active aerodynamic systems for road vehicles. Energies, 14(23), 7887.

[4]. Frömmig, L. (2023). Basic Course in Race Car Technology: Introduction to the Interaction of Tires, Chassis, Aerodynamics, Differential Locks and Frame. Springer Nature.

[5]. Zhang, X., Toet, W., & Zerihan, J. (2006). Ground effect aerodynamics of race cars. Applied Mechanics Reviews, 59(1), 33–49.

[6]. Mani, M., & Dorgan, A. J. (2023). A perspective on the state of aerospace computational fluid dynamics technology. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, 55(1), 431-457.

[7]. Bhatnagar, U. R. (2015). Formula 1 race car performance improvement by optimization of the aerodynamic relationship between the front and rear wings.

[8]. Calautit, J. K., & Hughes, B. R. (2014). Wind tunnel and CFD study of the natural ventilation performance of a commercial multi-directional wind tower. Building and environment, 80, 71-83.

Cite this article

Shi,H. (2025). Advancements and Innovations in Racing Car Aerodynamics: Cutting-Edge Techniques in Drag Reduction and Downforce Management. Applied and Computational Engineering,169,54-59.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of CONF-MSS 2025 Symposium: Machine Vision System

ISBN: 978-1-80590-209-6(Print) / 978-1-80590-210-2(Online)

Editor: Cheng Wang, Marwan Omar

Conference website: https://www.confmss.org/chicago.html

Conference date: 5 June 2025

Series: Applied and Computational Engineering

Volume number: Vol.169

ISSN: 2755-2721(Print) / 2755-273X(Online)

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