wheels

[littlebf]

Why does F1 teams stick with 13'" wheels when the rest of the world is going larger and larger? I'm sure there is some physics here.

[Ray Bell]

I think it's in the rules... not totally sure, but I think so.

[R]

Article 12.4.1 in the 2001 Formula One Technical Regulations says that "Complete wheel width must lie between 305 and 355 mm when fitted to the front of the car and between 365 and 380 mm when fitted to the rear."

Source: www.fia.com

[RWC]

Very good question.I've wondered the same for years,allthough it does have a lot to do with the tyres being a large component of any suspension travel.Big tyres such as these are very good at soaking up small bumps.Maybe the drawback of lack of much damping control is mostly overcome by the huge amount of downforce keeping it under control...?

[racealign]

I have thought about it too and having worked with race tyres I have asked several people that same question. The most common answer is that the performance level gain would be enormous if the designers were able to use low profile construction tyres. The other answer is that the 13 inch has been around so long that there is a lot of information and knowledge of its construction and performance characteristics and to develop a new tyre size would cost a huge amount.