Glossary / General

turbulence

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

When a car moves fast, it pushes air around it. The disturbed air behind it can make the next car feel wobbly or less stable—this is called turbulence.

Technical Definition

Turbulence refers to chaotic, swirling air patterns that can form behind a moving vehicle. In racing, turbulence from the car ahead can disturb airflow over the following car, reducing its downforce and grip.

Hear It Discussed

"a lot of people think intake's a laminar flow they're all turbulent. It's about how we can minimize the turbulence and minimize the skin friction in the port."
162: The Real Science Behind Engine Airflow & Performance Tuned In 56:24

"So, you have to give it a window where it can work and do the job as best possible without lots of turbulence, but also without affecting the rear of the car too much."
Tech Show: Red Bull's rear wing issues and the complexities of airflow reattachment The Race F1 Podcast 43:50

"This is all about wind Turbulence around a vehicle causing to use more fuel if the wind if the Air does not travel smoothly over and around the configuration of your car"
Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – March 9, 2026 CAR KEYS 15:27