F1 cars race round corners at more than 190 miles per hour. Those insane speeds are made possible by downforce - the invisible power which keeps F1 cars on-track.
Emel Cankaya is an Aerodynamics Specialist at McLaren. She tells Katie and Christian what downforce is, how F1 cars create it and what the front wing, rear wing and floor of the car do. She also explains how and why F1 teams change their downforce set ups for each racetrack, and how she got her job in Formula 1.
F1 Explains listener Brigit in New York asked us to explain downforce. If you'd like your question answered, send it to F1Explains@F1.com
F1 EXPLAINS LIVE - in Austin Texas + Washington D.C.
Saturday October 19th - F1 Explains LIVE at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2024, Circuit of the Americas.
With special guests:
- Ollie Bearman - Ferrari Academy Driver, 2025 Haas F1 Team Driver
- Mika Hakkinen - 2-time Formula 1 World Champion
Free to all Saturday/weekend ticket-holders. No reservation or extra ticket required. Circuit of the Americas, Amphitheatre Stage, Saturday October 19th, 6:15pm after F1 Qualifying
Sunday October 27th - F1 Explains LIVE at F1 Arcade Washington D.C.
Join Christian and Katie at the brand new F1 Arcade Washington D.C. for the Mexico City Grand Prix Watch Party.
Watch the Grand Prix with other F1 fans, enjoy racing simulators, food + drink, and be part of an F1 Explains episode recording after the race
Watch Party starts at 3pm. F1 Arcade Washington D.C., Union Market, 420 Penn St. NE
Washington, D.C.
Buy tickets at f1arcade.com/us/watch-parties/mexico-city
Listen to more official F1 podcasts
- For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid
- For race previews and reviews from inside the F1 paddock, listen to F1 Nation
Be there when the 2024 Formula 1 World Champion is crowned: