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 podcasts@the-race.com
READ MORE: The 'really complicated' F1 windtunnel steps that await McLaren
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Why CFD hasn't killed off windtunnels in F1

Journalist Edd Straw and former F1 technical director and car designer Gary Anderson are here to guide listeners through the wonderful world of Formula 1 technology. With the help of special guests they’ll discuss and explain everything from how F1 cars are engineered to go faster, to the science behind cutting-edge aerodynamics and the complexities of engine development. They’ll also discuss the latest design trends shaping the grid, speak to some of the famous names behind classic F1 innovations, and answer fans’ burning F1 tech questions.

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On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on Imola and ahead to Monaco, as they discuss the latest phase in F1’s increasingly intriguing development war. 
First, Edd and Gary discuss Red Bull’s difficult weekend in Imola, and whether that, combined with other teams’ gains, hints at the world champion team nearing the development potential of their current concept.
Next, they look at the contrasting development fortunes of Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari, all of whom have added significant new parts to their cars of late, before asking that all important question of whether it's genuinely getting closer at the front.
And finally, Edd dives into the electronic postbag and pulls out four questions from listeners for Gary, which this time are on Williams being overweight, F1 simulator use, the challenges of Monaco, closed rear wheels and tyre compound balance shifts.
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Inside F1’s development war - and why it's getting closer at the front

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson discuss the upgrade package that helped Lando Norris and McLaren snap Max Verstappen and Red Bull's stranglehold on the Miami Grand Prix. They look at what McLaren changed, how it has helped the team, and whether this means McLaren will be able to fight at every kind of track going forward.
After that, Edd and Gary switch gears to discuss the other big technical talking point of the moment: What Adrian Newey will do next, with his Red Bull exit now confirmed. Gary explains how a 'big picture' thinker like Newey could fit into a team, without disrupting the apple cart, and gives his view on where he'd like to see the 65-year-old design genius end up.
And to round off the show, Gary answers three more questions from listeners, which this time are on simulators, boundary-layer control and power steering.

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McLaren's race-winning upgrades + What should Newey do next?

On this episode, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson look back on the Chinese Grand Prix, and in particular how the teams responded to the new-for-2024 sprint weekend format and revised parc ferme rules.
After that, Gary answers a bumper selection of questions from listeners, including ones on the real impact of front wing endplate damage, how teams deal with ride height fluctuations over a race weekend, what leads teams towards a particular design philosophy, and even a multi-part question on paint!

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Analysing how the teams responded to the new sprint race rules

On a special bonus episode of the pod, host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson chat to Dr Tom McCarthy, executive director of ASPIRE and a key figure behind the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League aka A2RL.
This pioneering autonomous racing series is new for 2024 and pitches eight teams against one another in modified Super Formula SF23 cars chasing a $2.25million prize fund.
This new annual race, aiming to stress-test technology for the future of transport, features teams from the UAE, China, Singapore, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the USA.
Listen to the chat and then mark your calendar for 27 April 2024, when you can stream the first event live on The Race’s YouTube channel. 
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BONUS: Discover the technology of autonomous racing with A2RL

Host Edd Straw and former F1 technical director Gary Anderson cover a lot of ground on the latest episode of The Race F1 Tech Show, starting with a look at Mercedes' latest struggles, before moving onto an analysis of Red Bull's latest upgrades and why cooling has become such an important factor in this era of F1. After that, we hear from Williams team principal James Vowles who gives The Race's Scott Mitchell-Malm a detailed breakdown of how the team has been able to repair their crash-damaged cars and keep racing in the midst of a series of flyaway races. And finally, Gary rounds off the show by answering questions from listeners about DRS, Mercedes' simulation tools and asymmetrical suspension setup.

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Why CFD hasn't killed off windtunnels in F1

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