Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, demands a relentless pursuit of speed and precision. At its heart lies the quest to achieve the best lap time, a feat that requires careful consideration of every aspect of the car's design. The rear wing, responsible for generating approximately 60% of the total downforce, is a crucial component in achieving this goal. When an F1 car is cornering or accelerating, downforce is essential to ensure maximum grip and stability. The rear wing creates this vital force by harnessing the power of two main forces: lift and drag.The angle of attack, thickness, and chord length are variables that can influence the performance of an F1 car's rear wing. In this paper, the authors investigated the use of NACA series airfoils as the primary rear wing for Formula 1 cars. The airfoils differed only in their thickness, a small but significant variation that can affect the lift and drag coefficients of the wing. In the world of Formula 1, where every millisecond counts, even the tiniest improvement in the lift-drag ratio can make all the difference. The analysis revealed that increasing the angle of attack and thickness of the airfoils resulted in a more optimal lift-drag ratio, providing the F1 car with an edge in speed and performance. It is worth noting that Formula 1 rear wing research is a rare subject, making this study a valuable contribution to the field. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of careful analysis and design in the quest for the best lap time in Formula 1. By optimizing the rear wing, the authors have demonstrated that even the smallest changes can lead to significant improvements in performance.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Formula One rear wing, Rear wing lift-drag ratio, Inverted airfoil, NACA 2412
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