BAKf1 wrote: ↑11 Mar 2023, 18:11
Can somebody explain to me why the regs wouldn’t permit a manufacturer from minimizing the floors downforce (using the floor more like a barge board) and instead creates more of the downforce overbody such that the car acts like the faster 2021 version?
In short, because the rules are very restrictive on the use of "overbody"-aerodynamic devices. It would be impossible to generate the overbody downforce that would be necessary to even begin to approach the downforce of the underbody. However, it is important to note that F1 cars have been generating most of their downforce through the underbody for many years. Already in 2004 it was 45%. In 2009 it was around 50%, and the percentage has been rising steadily. Underbody downforce produces less drag than overbody downforce, so it is always more effective to seek more downforce from the underbody.