B.E. Presents: Active Suspension in Formula 1
Introduced in 1987 with the Lotus 99T, Active Suspension was arguably the most significant F1 technology since the utilization of aerodynamics. A.S. was developed to its highest point in 1991 with the Williams FW14, but was banned in 1994 (along with other driver aids such as traction control and ABS) on the grounds that it made driver skill nearly irrelevant.
Quite simply, active suspension serves two purposes:
- To keep tires in their maximum contact patch with the road under all G-conditions; cornering, braking, and acceleration.
- To keep the ride height of the car constant under all G-conditions, to preserve optimum aerodynamics.
Video:
- Lotus 99T Active Susupension Demonstration
- Williams FW14B Active Suspension Demonstration
- Williams FW14B Documentary Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Article: “The Active Cars”, covering the history and events of the active suspension time period in Forumla 1.