The aerodynamic complexity of the underbody surfaces of conventional road vehicles is a matter of fact. Currently available literature is focused mainly on very simple Ahmed-body geometries as opposed to realistic car shapes, due to their complexity and computational cost. We attempted to understand the flow behaviour around different realistic conventional road car geometries, and we provide an extensive evaluation of the aerodynamic loads generated. The key findings of this article could potentially set a precedent and be useful within the automotive industry’s investigations on drag-reduction mechanisms or sources of downforce generation. The novelty of the work resides in the realistic approach employed for the geometries and in the investigation of barely researched aerodynamic elements, such as front diffusers, which might pave the way for further research studies. A baseline flat-underfloor design, a 7∘ venturi diffuser-equipped setup, a venturi diffuser with diagonal skirts, and the same venturi diffuser with frontal slot-diffusers are the main configurations we studied. The numerical predictions evaluated using RANS computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations deal with the aerodynamic coefficients. The configuration that produced the highest downforce coefficient was the one composed of the 7∘ venturi diffuser equipped with diagonal sealing skirts, achieving a CL value of −0.887, which represents an increase of around 1780% with regard to the baseline model. That achievement and the gains in higher vertical loads also entail a compromise with an increase in the overall air resistance. The performance achieved with diffusers in the generation of downforce is, as opposed to the one obtained with conventional wings, a cleaner alternative, by avoiding wake disturbances and downwash phenomena.

The high complexity of current Formula One aerodynamics has raised the question of whether an urgent modification in the existing aerodynamic package is required. The present study is based on the evaluation and quantification of the aerodynamic performance on a 2017 spec. adapted Formula 1 car (the latest major aerodynamic update) by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis in order to argue whether the 2022 changes in the regulations are justified in terms of aerodynamic necessities. Both free stream and flow disturbance (wake effects) conditions are evaluated in order to study and quantify the effects that the wake may cause on the latter case. The problem is solved by performing different CFD simulations using the OpenFoam solver. The significance and originality of the research may dictate the guidelines towards an overall improvement of the category and it may set a precedent on how to model racing car aerodynamics. The studied behaviour suggests that modern F1 cars are designed and well optimised to run under free stream flows, but they experience drastic aerodynamic losses (ranging from −23% to 62% in downforce coefficients) when running under wake flows. Although the overall aerodynamic loads are reduced, there is a fuel efficiency improvement as the power that is required to overcome the drag is smaller. The modern performance of Ground Effect by means of vortices management represent a very unique and complex way of modelling modern aerodynamics, but at the same time notably compromises the performance of the cars when an overtaking maneuver is intended.