Piola: Visualising 2021 F1 cars using initial FIA details of plans
Although Formula 1's 2021 rules have not yet been finalised, the ideas are advanced enough for technical expert Giorgio Piola to imagine how the new generation of cars will look

Here, he offers more detail about the changes that will appear from 2021 as F1 bids to create a formula that allows cars to follow one another much more closely, utilising the ground effect aerodynamic concept.
1) The idea is to have a very low nose. This version is attached to the main plane as it was in the '90s
2) The mainplane is slightly arched upwards to improve the airflow underneath the car to help feed the ground effect tunnels
3) The endplates are rounded to help minimise the risk of punctures in the event of contact between cars, which is more likely due to the wide front wing
4) The low nose without turning vanes shows the simplified aerodynamics
5) The wheel rims could feature covers to help better manage airflow and make it less disruptive
6) The brake ducts are simplified and have less of an aerodynamic influence
7) The front wheels are covered with two deflectors, which help direct the wash from the front wheel underneath the floor rather than being lifted upwards and outwards, which causes turbulence for the cars behind
8) This is the start of a big Venturi channel, which begins where the current bargeboards are
9) The halo has a better integration with the overall car design
10) The stepped plane area is not totally flat because there is the chance to house Venturi channels in this area
11) The taller diffuser is much more powerful than the current diffuser, meaning most of the downforce will be created from underneath the car
12) The rear wing features a simple endplate to reduce the effect of turbulence and helps divert airflow high up with a twin vortex

Previous article
F1 commits to reintroducing ground effect aero concept with '21 rules
Next article
F1 rulemakers' blueprint to improve racing in F1 for 2021 explained

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Author | Giorgio Piola |
Piola: Visualising 2021 F1 cars using initial FIA details of plans
Trending
Mercedes-AMG W12 Unvieling
Lewis Hamilton explains his 1 year contract
Alpine A521 F1 Launch Highlights
The Silver Arrows Story: Mercedes W03
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The driver problems facing Mercedes in 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The big F1 questions of 2021
After an unprecedented season last year, there are plenty of questions and storylines for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign. Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok gives his verdict
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz Jr in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new team-mate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end