Aerodynamics
Creates downforce, controls drag and conditions airflow around wheels, floor and cooling surfaces.
Interactive engineering guide · 2026-era concepts
Every major part of an F1 car, explained.
Explore the machine from front wing to rear crash structure. Learn what each component does, how it works and why every system changes lap time.
60+components
8systems
100%original artwork
Interactive blueprint below
AERODYNAMICS◆HYBRID POWER◆CARBON COMPOSITES◆GROUND EFFECT◆TELEMETRY◆DRIVER SAFETY◆AERODYNAMICS◆HYBRID POWER◆CARBON COMPOSITES◆GROUND EFFECT◆TELEMETRY◆DRIVER SAFETY◆
Interactive blueprint
Select a hotspot
Click a numbered marker to inspect the main visible systems. The drawing is educational and not a confidential team blueprint.
The complete machine
Eight connected systems
An F1 car is not a collection of isolated parts. Aerodynamics, tyres, thermal management and control systems continuously affect one another.
Power unit
Combines a turbocharged V6 engine with electrical energy recovery and deployment.
Chassis & safety
Protects the driver, carries structural loads and manages crash energy.
Suspension & steering
Controls wheel motion, geometry, ride height, tyre contact and driver steering input.
Brakes
Converts kinetic energy into heat and recovered electrical energy.
Drivetrain
Transfers torque through clutch, gearbox, differential and driveshafts.
Cooling & fluids
Keeps the engine, battery, oil, electronics and brakes within safe temperatures.
Electronics & data
Coordinates sensors, controls, telemetry, warnings and driver information.
Component encyclopedia
Browse every major part
Search by name, location or function, then filter by technical system.
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Energy journey
How power reaches the track
The control strategy is complex, but the main energy paths can be understood in six steps.
01FuelFlexible safety cell
→02V6 ICECombustion torque
+03MGU-KHarvest or deploy
→04GearboxSelects ratio
→05DifferentialSplits rear torque
→06Rear tyresGrip and acceleration
Combustion path
Air is compressed by the turbo, cooled, mixed with precisely metered fuel and burned to drive the crankshaft.
Electrical path
The MGU-K harvests energy under deceleration and later adds torque from the energy store.
Heat path
Radiators, oil coolers and bodywork exits reject heat, usually with an aerodynamic cost.
Why shape matters
Air is an invisible component
Wings create pressure differences, the floor accelerates air beneath the car, and bodywork guides disturbed flow away from sensitive regions. Engineers balance downforce, drag, cooling and stability—not simply maximum load.
↓ DownforceMore tyre load without adding vehicle mass.
→ DragResistance that limits speed and efficiency.
↻ Wake controlManaging turbulent air from rotating wheels.
≈ BalanceMatching front and rear load through a lap.
HIGH PRESSURELOW PRESSURE
Engineering vocabulary
Essential glossary
Core terms used throughout this site and in Formula 1 technical coverage.
Scope & accuracy
A systems guide—not a secret team drawing
A real Formula 1 car contains thousands of fasteners, wires, seals and sensors. This website covers every major visible component and functional subsystem. Exact geometry, materials, software and control maps vary by team and remain confidential. Regulation-dependent details can change during a season.