Formula 1 races are won on the track, yet the real work behind a winning car begins months before the start of a grand prix weekend. Ahead of each new season, designers and engineers scrutinize the rules for loopholes that can be exploited for speed gains. Sometimes, these exploits are deemed rule-breaking by the FIA, prompting their outlawing from F1.
In its 75-year history, Formula 1 has banned various high-profile innovations, including the infamous Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’, which used an integrated fan for increased downforce. Ground effect, popularized by Lotus, was also banned for the 1983 season due to safety concerns over sudden loss of downforce. Another notable ban was on six-wheeled cars like the 1982 Tyrrell P34, showcasing the sport’s ongoing battle against overreaching engineering ingenuity.
