THE FINE LINE BETWEEN SLIPSTREAM AND DIRTY AIR EXPLAINED
Slipstreaming is a term that is commonly used by racing drivers, and even gamers too, as it's a free speed advantage if you find yourself in the right place at the right time! However, not all forms of slipstreams are necessarily a good thing. Here is the difference between slipstream and dirty air...
In motor racing, if you're directly behind the car in front of you on the straight, the air is undisturbed and the car in front of you is taking all the drag. Therefore, you'll go faster. However, this is only beneficial in certain circumstances.
If you're in the same scenario, but going around a corner, you'll lose all the required downforce needed to take a corner at high speed. This is what we refer to as "dirty air", an unwanted slipstream around a corner. Not having enough downforce around a corner will drastically increase the chances of you spinning out and losing significant time.
Take a look at the video below by the YouTube channel, WTF1, on Why Is Slipstream Good But Dirty Air Bad?
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