Computational Fluid Dynamics Optimization of F1 Front Wing using Physics Informed Neural Networks

Abstract

In response to recent FIA regulations reducing Formula 1 team wind tunnel hours (from 320hrs for last-place teams to 200 hours for championship leaders) and strict budget caps of $135 million per year, more efficient aerodynamic development tools are needed by teams. Conventional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, though offering high fidelity results, require large computational resources with typical simulation durations of 8-24hrs per configuration analysis. This article proposes a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) for the fast prediction of Formula 1 front wing aerodynamic coefficients. The suggested methodology combines CFD simulation data from SimScale with first principles of fluid dynamics through a hybrid loss function that constrains both data fidelity and physical adherence based on NavierStokes equations. Training on force and moment data from 12 aerodynamic features, the PINN model records coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.968 for drag coefficient and 0.981 for lift coefficient prediction while lowering computational time. The physics-informed framework guarantees that predictions remain adherent to fundamental aerodynamic principles, offering F1 teams an efficient tool for the fast exploration of design space within regulatory constraints.