The impact of altitude on F1s
A multitude of parameters can modify the behavior of an F1 car. Altitude is one of them. We explain how single-seaters are affected, with an insight from French driver Esteban Ocon.
The Red Bull Ring is nestled at around 700m altitude, far from the 2240m of the Mexico circuit, and yet altitude already plays an important role there. At high altitude, the air is less dense, which leads to some consequences on the race cars.
From an aerodynamic point of view, to begin with, less dense air means that the aerodynamic elements (wings, floor) generate less downforce, which reduces grip in corners. On the other hand, the car experiences less air resistance, which can improve top speed. Finally, the rarer air cools the engine, brakes, and electrical systems less effectively. Teams must therefore adjust the cooling openings, which can harm the aerodynamics.
Asked about this by our on-site journalist, Esteban Ocon explains how the altitude impacts the car. I think it’s one of the highest altitude circuits after Mexico, probably the second. It’s quite challenging for us in terms of brake wear, in terms of temperature in general – for the car, for the engine. It’s difficult for all components of the car. We’ve seen in the past some teams struggling with this and having reliability issues. I’ve heard the temperature is going to cool down for the rest of the weekend, which should reduce our problems.
Regarding the reliability issues referenced by the Haas driver, indeed, the air contains less oxygen at higher altitudes, which affects combustion. Turbochargers partially compensate for this lack of oxygen by compressing the intake air more. However, they have to work harder, which can affect reliability but also increase intake temperature and vary engine power from one manufacturer to another depending on the efficiency of the turbo.
As for driving, Esteban Ocon ensures that the altitude causes a different approach in the way of driving.
« Elevation is really something I encourage people to go see in person if they have the chance, because you don’t realize what it is until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. On television, things are much flatter. When you go for a tour of the circuit with your team, I can tell you that turn 3 is quite significant. For us, it is the same. »
« When you’re in the car, you brake very late – it’s almost 65 meters to take a hairpin, whereas normally it’s more like 100 or 90 meters. For those guys, it’s 50 meters [talking about the McLarens]. But yes, it’s a really cool circuit. It’s iconic. It’s a bit of a shame that track limits have been such a topic in the past, but now that the gravel is closer, I think it really feels good here. »
Tire management will therefore be a crucial issue this weekend, in terms of wear, temperature, and also grip.
