What are the sidepods in F1?
Sidepods are positioned on each side of an F1 car and play a pivotal role in aerodynamics and cooling. Meticulously engineered, they are designed to optimise airflow around the car to minimise drag, increase the car’s speed and improve its handling. The zero pod concept was achievable on the Mercedes due to innovative cooler technology derived from spaceship design, along with a slight forward adjustment of the cockpit, a change that Lewis Hamilton reportedly did not favor.Mercedes would unveil what has become known as the ‘zero-pod’ concept, their sidepods reduced to only very narrow inlets, and this is a design which has been used on 2022’s W13 and now the W14 for F1 2023.
What is the purpose of a sidepod?
They are engineered meticulously to manage the airflow around the vehicle. This management of airflow aims to reduce drag, a force that opposes the car’s movement and can slow it down. By reducing drag, the car can maintain high speeds more efficiently. Moreover, side pods also help to improve the downforce of the car. Side Pods- Clean air is channeled through the side pods, with the airflow exiting at the rear, primarily for cooling purposes. Radiators are positioned within both side pods. Rear Wing- The rear wing plays a critical role in generating downforce through its upward-sloping design.