The Race F1 Tech Show Why wind plays havoc with F1 cars + Explaining Red Bull’s recent renaissance
Sep 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Gary Anderson, a former F1 technical director known for his work on the Jordan 191, dives into the complexities of wind dynamics affecting car performance. He reveals how gusts impact downforce and balance, making certain cars particularly sensitive. Gary also elaborates on Red Bull’s resurgence, attributing it to clever setups and driver feedback. From the evolution of wheel covers to the debate on mechanical grip versus aerodynamics, this conversation is a treasure trove for F1 enthusiasts!
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Gusts Dramatically Shift Downforce
- Gusts change aerodynamic load rapidly because downforce scales with the square of airspeed.
- A 40 km/h gust at 300 km/h can shift balance by ~20–30%, making cars unpredictably snap or lose grip.
Peaky Aero Causes Wind Sensitivity
- Cars with surfaces working 'too hard' stall earlier and are more wind-sensitive.
- Gary Anderson preferred conservative aero margins to keep behaviour robust rather than chase peak performance.
Use Drivers To Validate Simulations
- Step back from over-reliance on simulation when it doesn't match track behaviour.
- Use driver feedback and pit-lane engineering to find a balanced front-wing/underfloor setup, tuning rear wing as needed.