Diversity and Inclusion

Formula one is attempting to become more inclusive with encouraging people from all backgrounds to get involved. Schemes such as F1 academy, Mission 44 and The Hamilton commission (2021) have been implemented to encourage this. This increase in viewership and consequently money has the potential to aid in achieving equal opportunity and ensure everyone is able to access, contribute to, and enjoy motorsports. [45]   

Figure 9 – F1 Academy car [46]

Figure 10 -F1 McLaren compared to the F1 Academy car [46]

As depicted in Figure 9, the F1 Academy car is very similar to that of the F1 car. This similarity enables drivers to acclimate to the feeling of the car while still ensuring that the car remains manageable and drivable for novice drivers, as shown in Figure 10. Additionally, the youth drivers gain an understanding of how the car works and management over the car. 

Moreover, the new regulations contribute positively to environmental sustainability. Where the old regulation rear wing sent flow behind the car leaving it for the following car to drive through, the wake of the new regulation rear wing is narrower and thrown high up into the air [47]. This allows the following car to drive through less disrupted ‘cleaner air.’ This also has a side benefit of cars being easier on their tires reducing sliding which in return reduces fuel consumption. 

F1 has outlined its goals for inclusivity and diversity in the sport. It has worked hard to improve inclusiveness, with all ten teams, Formula 1 itself, and the FIA signing a new diversity and inclusion charter. This initiative was created with assistance from The Royal Academy of Engineering and Sir Lewis Hamilton, who played a role in the original report The Hamilton Commission 2021, with the charter being based on the suggestions from that report.[48]

Considerable progress has been made in enhancing female fan engagement, leading to a notable rise in popularity of Formula 1 among women. Female fans now represent approximately 40% of the sports fan demographic. This growth is attributed to the sport’s international races, strategic and technological nuances, and vibrant fan experience offered at events. The increase in women viewership can also be accredited to the increased number of women in leadership in formula one. Female fans have expressed interest in figures such as Claire Williams, who served as deputy team principle and public face of Williams Formula 1 racing team from 2013-2020. As one of only two women to have led an F1 team, Williams’s involvement has provided representation and fostered a connection for women to the sport. [49]  

Inclusion and diversity schemes offer several advantages, including:

  • Innovation: Diversity brings fresh ideas and viewpoints, fostering innovation and cultural growth.
  • Attracting new audiences: F1 aims to expand its global appeal and draw in new fans.
  • Inspiring youth: F1 is creating educational programs to motivate young people to pursue STEM fields. [47]

Project Goals

The aim of this project is to study the aerodynamic effectiveness of the 2022 rear wing following the regulation change. This project seeks to elucidate the purpose of the regulatory changes by highlighting the difference between the old and new wing designs. The introduction of the new regulations for 2026 [50] show that the 2022 regulation change had some issues and consequently this project also aims to address the gap in understanding for errors and oversights in the 2022 regulatory changes. This will be done through achieving the following objectives:

  • Computational construction of a model for both the old and new rear wing designs.
  • Simulation set up and testing for both the new and old regulation models.
  • Understanding and review of present leakages and dirty air coming from both rear wings.
  • Plot and understand the difference in downforce generated by both wings and how this will affect their performance.
  • Looking into potential limitations shown by the simulation of the old rear wing to help understand why the regulations changed.
  • Understand potential limitations of the old regulations.
  • Use background knowledge and understanding from the simulation to propose any potential changes to the wing that improve the regulations.