A formula 1 racing car essentially is an artificial product. It deviates even further from the production-line car than the racing cars generally. Where in everyday life is it possible to observe vehicles with completely free wheels and consequently a very bad drag-coefficient? But maybe exactly this creates the vast attention for such type of cars. The specific shape and regulations for the formula 1 date back to its beginnings around 1900, when only the drive, tank, and two seats were integrated into the body of the car.

What is remarkable is that the designing engineers created a virtue out of their needs by opening up not only the wheels but almost the whole front to the wind; in for a penny, in for a pound. Just the part holding the feet of the driver is covered. In addition this part of the front is raised so strongly that the wind can go underneath. The spring struts of the suspension are shifted inward and the wishbones look like landing flaps. The large front spoiler provides output drive and attempts to lead the air from the wheels somewhat towards the body. One might say that the actual front of a formula 1 car starts behind the front axle. Here one can find even more aerodynamic help tools. At this point or farther back the heat exchange of the coolant takes place. Additional intake air is sucked in even from above the driver. The rear looks more like a car, disregarding the large and often multi-level spoilers for the necessary output drive. Nevertheless the principle of the free wheels remains at least partly true.