Why CFD hasn't killed off windtunnels in F1

In so many ways, the modern world is ruled by computers, but while Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has revolutionised F1 car design over the last couple of decades, the windtunnel remains a vital tool in every F1 team's development arsenal.

On this week's podcast, host Edd Straw asks former F1 technical director Gary Anderson why windtunnels remain so important to car development that teams such as Red Bull, McLaren and Aston Martin are committing millions of dollars towards new facilities. Gary also explains why CFD alone won't get you very far, and the challenges of windtunnel calibration.

Before that, Gary discusses the importance of data gathering in F1, and how it differs from practice to the race.

And as usual, there's time for Gary to answer questions from two listeners, which this week are on CVT transmissions and the potential aero benefits of a dimpled bodywork surface.

Want to ask us a question? Send a voicenote or email to [email protected]

READ MORE: The 'really complicated' F1 windtunnel steps that await McLaren

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