Dirty Air

Lance Stroll, Williams FW40 Mercedes, follows Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso STR12 Renault at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium.
Sunday 27 August 2017.

In Formula 1 racing, "dirty air" refers to the turbulent airflow that is created by the car in front of another car. When a car is moving at high speeds, it creates a turbulent wake of air behind it, which can make it difficult for the car following behind to maintain a stable and fast trajectory. This turbulent wake of air is known as "dirty air."

When a car is following behind another car, it has to deal with the "dirty air" which affects the aerodynamics of the car, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control and reducing their overall speed. This is why it is often said that it is harder to follow a car than to lead one in a race, as the trailing car has to fight against the turbulence created by the leading car.

Additionally, the "dirty air" also has an effect on the performance of the front wing and the rear wing of the car, which are responsible for providing downforce and stability. The turbulence caused by "dirty air" can disrupt the airflow over these wings, which can lead to a reduction in downforce and stability.

To sum up, "dirty air" in Formula 1 racing refers to the turbulent airflow created by the car in front which affects the aerodynamics and performance of the car following behind, making it harder to maintain control and reducing the speed of the trailing car.