# 차량 · 기술

Dirty air

더티에어

The turbulent air created in the wake of a leading car is known as dirty air. This turbulent airflow reduces downforce on the following car, destabilizes the chassis, and causes the tires to overheat more easily. It is one of the primary factors that make overtaking difficult in F1.

🏆 Race Case Study

As you approach an overtaking maneuver, the closer you get to the car ahead, the more challenging the corner becomes.

When a trailing car closes in to within approximately one second of the car ahead, it is significantly affected by the turbulent air generated by the leading car in corners. This reduces downforce, leading to a loss of front grip and making the car prone to understeer, which can make it challenging to follow closely. As a result, drivers may deliberately choose a different line in corners to find clean air or adjust their distance when entering a corner, then close the gap again on the straight to create an overtaking opportunity.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does dirty air make overtaking more difficult?

When a following car enters the turbulent wake of the car ahead, it loses aerodynamic downforce. This is especially harmful in corners, where reduced grip makes it harder to follow closely and maintain the position needed to prepare an overtake.

What is the difference between towing (slipstream) and dirty air?

Both are effects of the airflow created by the car ahead, but they matter in different situations. On straights, reduced drag behind another car can provide a useful tow or slipstream. In corners, however, disturbed airflow can reduce downforce and grip, creating dirty air. Drivers therefore try to use the tow on straights while managing the effects of dirty air in corners.

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🏆 Race Case Study

As you approach an overtaking maneuver, the closer you get to the car ahead, the more challenging the corner becomes.

📺 Race Context & Viewing Tips

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