Eli5 – F1 cars have smooth tyres for grip yet on a normal car this would be certain death. Why do smooth tyres give F1 cars more grip yet normal cars less grip?

Question

Eli5 – F1 cars have smooth tyres for grip yet on a normal car this would be certain death. Why do smooth tyres give F1 cars more grip yet normal cars less grip?

In: 3088

Answer 1

It’s because they’re under inflated for more traction at the start, but smooth for better continued momentum because the downforce of the car is so high that tread would just gum it up and be too much traction. You should look up a slow motion video of F1 car wheels upon accelerating. The wheels literally wrinkle