Formula One Innovations That Are Found On Road Cars Now

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With Formula 1 being so different from normal driving, it’s quite unbelievable that most innovations on road cars came from such a competition. However, this is very factual and not many people are aware.

One thing is for sure, Formula 1 and other fast-car racing competitions have been, and continue to be the initial grounds of advanced and sophisticated modern car technology. And although most of this new-age technology is made in secrecy, most advanced features in our normal road cars are exact replicas of the new tech.

That said, here are 6 Formula 1 innovations that you can find on road cars now

1. Exterior Designs

Your car’s exterior design has something in common with most Formula 1 cars. In particular, the aerodynamics shape isn’t only meant for your car to look good but also perform better. Cars with the aerodynamics shape are assumed and even proved to be smoother, powerful, and even more glamorous on the road.

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Actually, it’s safe to say that these cars perform better when compared to other models with the traditional shape.

2. Transmissions

Like in Formula 1 cars, an automatic transmission in road cars has the same purpose. The work of transmissions in both Formula 1 cars and road cars is to translate the engine’s to the vehicle’s wheel.

And it’s much easier to change the gears with automatic transmissions compared to the manual ones. This is because with an automatic transmission, you only need to select Drive and no other requirements.

In recent times, automatic transmissions that are now used in most road cars have helped reduce human error and slow gear shifting.

3. Paddle Shifters

With paddle shifters on the steering wheel, new automatic cars now offer a sporty and better driving experience when compared to their manual counterparts. The idea of paddle shifters was first idealized by Ferrari in the late 1980s for their Formula 1 cars.

Currently, this feature is in most modern road cars and offers drivers a faster way of changing gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Hence, this makes driving more efficient and hands-on as well.

4. Suspensions

As a driver, it’s obvious that you won’t drive seamlessly throughout the day. You have to get across bumps and adaptive suspensions are useful in such situations. Although adaptive or active suspensions have been banned in Formula 1 races, they still play a significant role in everyday driving.

Most modern automatic cars have this feature built-in and works automatically depending on the modes provided.

5. Engine Lubricants

It’s hard to miss an ad on TV showcasing how the efficiency of engine lubricants is tested on Formula 1 car engines. And there is no better way to prove the effectiveness of engine lubricants than in Formula 1 racing.

Lubricants are highly essential in your engine’s efficiency and their use originated from Formula 1 racing.

6. Tires

The tires on road cars today have more detail on their design as opposed to several decades ago. One thing to note about the modern tires on road cars is that they feature grooves in them.

The groove design, which is also present in Formula 1 cars helps your tires to channel snow or water, and slush them away from your road car. As a result, you get to drive smoothly and more effectively while you are on the road.

If you would like to see current Formula One innovations that you might see on future road cars? One of the few changes you’ll get this season will be during the British Grand Prix where visitors are allowed to visit the race. People holding tickets to the coveted F1 Paddock Club Silverstone will be the ones with the best views of the racing action. 

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