Why Are There “Woods” Underneath F1 Cars?

“Under Formula 1 vehicles equipped with advanced technologies a piece of wood What kind of duty could it have?” You may be thinking, but it serves a vital mission.

Even if it weren’t for this piece of wood, Some Formula 1 pilots might not be alive It would not be an exaggeration to say that. Let’s see what the “skid block” does?

Before the incident, a Formula 1 racer lost his life and precautions were taken.

In 1994, Formula 1 pilot Ayrton Senna died during the race because his car touched the ground too much. This death was neither the first nor the last, but after Senna’s death, vehicles Some security-related obligations was brought.

Formula 1 cars, where aerodynamics are as important as other vehicles, have the advantage of being close to the ground, but let’s look at it from the other side. A vehicle filled with fuel, can contact the ground. This is exactly what needs to be eliminated.

What is the idea of ​​adding a 10 millimeter thick board that is mounted on the vehicle with titanium plates?

The length of the wooden plate that must extend from 330 millimeters behind the center line of the front wheels to the center line of the rear wheels, It must be at least 1 meter.

Its 10 millimeter thickness must be equal from beginning to end with a tolerance of +/- 0.2 millimeters. Its width should be 300 millimeters with a tolerance of +/- 2 millimeters. The board should be made of a homogeneous material and It should be fixed symmetrically.

If the skid block wears out, it’s time for disqualification.

At the end of the race, the board must not be worn by more than 1 millimeter. If it wears out, pilots are disqualified from the race. Even Michael Schumacher in 1994 and in 2023 Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclercwas disqualified for this very reason.

The wood is rubbing, sparks from between the vehicle and the ground We can understand. Yes, although these sparks may seem beautiful and exciting from the outside, they are actually a sign of danger.

Why is the wooden piece It has a vital function We understood. Did you know that it serves such a purpose? Did you even know that there is a board under the vehicles?

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