Weight As of 2010 a Formula 1 car must weigh at least 620 kilograms, including the driver but not including fuel. The vehicles' construction weight is actually less. This way, the teams can achieve a better weight distribution using additional ballast weights, thus improving the handling. The technical commission of the FIA may, at any time, send cars to the electronic scales located at the entrance to the pit lane to ensure that the rules and regulations are adhered to. Wet Weather Tyres In wet weather, cars use special tyres that are better able to displace water from the track and optimise grip. Wheel Formula 1 limits cars to four wheels of which only the rear wheels may be driven.  WheelbaseThe distance between the front and rear 'axle' lines. Teams can make a huge difference to handling by adjusting this figure, either by redesigning the suspension or by adding a 'spacer' to increase the gap between the engine and gearbox. Wheel Tethers Each wheel is connected to the chassis by means of high-performance tethers. They are intended to prevent the wheels from flying off in the case of an accident. Each tether has to withstand a load of seven tons. White Flag  Warns of a slow moving vehicle on track, such as a tow truck or safety car. Wind TunnelA chamber through which air is forced at controlled velocities in order to study the effects of aerodynamic flow. Typically, teams use a scale model of the car for testing purposes, although a few teams also have the capability to test the actual race car. As well as air being blown over the car, a rolling road (essentially a conveyor belt) is also used to simulate the race car moving along the ground. This also enables accurate flow to be simulated around the wheels, as they are then able to rotate with the speed of the belt. Winglet Additional wing located on the car body just in front of the rear wheel. Wings Rigid and movable surfaces on the racing car intended to increase downforce. The wings serve to press the car downwards more firmly. The secret of wing adjustment lies in finding the best compromise between high speed on straights (low downforce) and optimal performance in corners (high downforce). Wishbones  A triangular shaped suspension component connecting the wheel suspension and the chassis. Each wheel has a pair of upper and lower wishbones. These pivoting rods, which have also acquired aerodynamic significance, must be made of extremely strong materials.World Champion In Formula 1, two World Championship titles are awarded – the drivers' title and the manufacturers’ title. The drivers' title has existed since 1950, and the manufacturers' title was introduced in 1958. For the drivers, the points won in all the races are added up. If several drivers have the same points total, the title is determined by the final positions they achieved: the number of first places, followed by the number of second places, etc. In the manufacturers’ division, the points that both of the team’s drivers earn each race are added up.  |