The Car
 
"Formula 1
should be the pinnacle of motor racing. It should have the minimum of parameters
controlling performance. There are only four parameters which control a racing car; one is
the power from the engine; the second is the aerodynamical download it can produce; the
third is the amount of grip which can be obtained by the tyres and the fourth is the
weight."
Colin Chapman
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The evolution of the
Grand Prix car since the birth of automobile racing in the last decades of the 19th
century has been nothing short of startling yet the Jetsons not withstanding their basic
dynamics have remained fairly constant. The main advances having taken place in the areas
of aerodynamics, tires, electronics and the use of exotic materials but steering and gear
changes and braking still require human intervention to a greater or lesser degree. When
most of the driver aids were banned FIA's majordomo, Max Mosley feared of the day
when drivers would no longer be required. That computers would control all aspects of the
car as it raced around the circuit. Happily that day is not yet here.
Steering
Shifting Gears
Braking
Aerodynamics
Tires
Driving Within the Car
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