WATCH: The origins of ground effect

The 2022 season features a new generation of Formula 1 cars that have seen the re-introduction of ground effect. F1 TV's tech analyst Sam Collins takes a deep dive into the origins of this aerodynamic phenomenon.

Ground effect is a concept with its roots in flight, but it's currently used in F1 to glue the cars to the track – and its use in racing can be traced all the way back to the 1920s.

However, it was not until 1978 – with Mario Andretti’s title-winning Lotus 79 – that Formula 1 truly saw the concept of ground effect pay dividends.

In 1982, ground effect was banned in F1, only re-emerging for the new era of F1 in 2022.

For a brief history lesson on the roots of this downforce-generating device, head to the video player above to watch an excerpt from F1 TV's Tech Talk.

Tap here to find out more about F1 TV, including enhanced race coverage, exclusive shows, archive video and more.