Aerodynamics of a Formula One Car

F1 car with rear spoiler in racing position.

Tonight, my roommate and I watched a few formula one racing events. The announcers began to talk about a current issue they are having with the race cars. With all of the airflow engineering that goes into the F1 cars it is hard to for them to pass each other at high speeds. This is due to the rear spoiler that applies down-force on the car encounter turbulent flow from the leading car. To combat this problem, the cars have new adjustable spoilers that can flatten out and negate the turbulent air flow. This can only be done during passing and on certain portions of the track because when this adjustment negates the flow problems it also negates the down-force affect it normally applies and this can be a safety issue .