Day Grand Prix

How do formula 1 cars stay on the ground at over 200mph?;physics of?

How do formula 1 cars stay on the ground at over 200mph?;physics of? How do formula 1 cars stay on the ground at over 200mph?;physics of? I need to research this question for a class project.I do understand downforce but do not understand how "friction" has to do with this.Thanks and any thoughts would be great!

Public Comments

1. Ground effects. The biggest thing about F1 cars is that the bottom is shaped to be low in the middle of the car. This produces a venturi effect and causes the car to be sucked onto the track.
2. Well first of all... the force downward due to gravity is higher then the normal force, or the equal but opposite force going up. Also the force of friction is less then the applied force so it will go forward but will not lift off the ground due to the force of gravity and obvious technical features of the vehicle.
3. If you will notice, there is a large wing on the front and another on the rear of the car that produce a LOT of down force at speed.