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Formula 1 Technology
Formula 1 Technology offers an in-depth look at the engineering, design and production of Formula 1 cars. It focuses on the most technically challenging years, showing how the technology and engineering have evolved from mechanical systems, most of which one could hold in the hand, look at closely, and see how they should work, to systems dominated by silicon wafers so small one can hardly see them. Author Peter Wright identifies and outlines five parameters -- Power, Weight, Tire Grip, Drag and Lift -- and shows how each can be maximized. In addition, he describes the variety of technologies (including those that have been banned over the years) that are involved, not just in the makeup of the Formula 1 cars, but also in the component manufacturing, systems testing, and the actual racing of the cars.
- GenresEngineeringNonfiction
437 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2001
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January 8, 2013
During college in Ann Arbor in the 60's we made the annual pilgrimage to Watkins Glen for the US Grand Prix. Jim Clark, Dan Gurney, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Phil Hill...all the stars of the golden age of F1. Then it dropped off the radar for whatever reason. But during that time I read Colin Chapman's book on chassis design. Gearhead and all.
So when I came back to F1 a couple of years ago I slowly got back into the F1 scene. No mistake, these vehicles are as close to fighter jets as any civilian will ever get close to. The level of technology is spectacular, the rate of change probably faster than anything heavily mechanical---and the cars are half software at this point.
For those technically oriented, who really need to know how things work, this book is as good an introduction as I can imagine and recommend. One big downside though: the pictures are terribly printed. Grey, low contrast, pretty much useless. The author's illustrations of performance envelopes are excellent, but real-world pictures add nothing.
If you want to SEE how the bits look and work in situ, I'd recommend the Haynes Workshop Manuals, especially the Red Bull F1 2010 (RB6). Less technical background, but substantially more visual. get them both for the full picture of the most incredible vehicles we're ever likely to see. To say nothing of human performance at its absolute highest level. Pulling 4G longitudinal and 5G lateral ain't exactly run of the mill.
So when I came back to F1 a couple of years ago I slowly got back into the F1 scene. No mistake, these vehicles are as close to fighter jets as any civilian will ever get close to. The level of technology is spectacular, the rate of change probably faster than anything heavily mechanical---and the cars are half software at this point.
For those technically oriented, who really need to know how things work, this book is as good an introduction as I can imagine and recommend. One big downside though: the pictures are terribly printed. Grey, low contrast, pretty much useless. The author's illustrations of performance envelopes are excellent, but real-world pictures add nothing.
If you want to SEE how the bits look and work in situ, I'd recommend the Haynes Workshop Manuals, especially the Red Bull F1 2010 (RB6). Less technical background, but substantially more visual. get them both for the full picture of the most incredible vehicles we're ever likely to see. To say nothing of human performance at its absolute highest level. Pulling 4G longitudinal and 5G lateral ain't exactly run of the mill.
Displaying 1 of 1 review