F1 Suspension:
Push-rod vs Pull-rod
It's not just about bumps. F1 suspension is primarily designed to control the car's aerodynamics platform.
The Job of Suspension
🚗 Road Car
Suspension is designed for comfort. It absorbs bumps to keep the passengers happy.
🏎️ F1 Car
Suspension is designed for aerodynamics. It keeps the floor at the perfect height to generate downforce. Comfort is irrelevant.
Push-rod vs Pull-rod
You will often hear commentators discuss these two designs. They refer to the diagonal rod that connects the wheel hub to the springs inside the chassis.
Push-rod
The rod goes UP from the wheel to the chassis.
- Pros:Easier for mechanics to access (springs are high up). Better airflow to the floor.
- Cons:Higher Center of Gravity (CoG).
Pull-rod
The rod goes DOWN from the wheel to the chassis.
- Pros:Lower Center of Gravity (CoG). Can be more aerodynamic at the rear.
- Cons:Nightmare for mechanics to work on (buried deep in the floor).
Why Do Some Teams Use Push-rod and Others Pull-rod?
It comes down to aerodynamic philosophy.
If a team wants more air to flow over the diffuser, they might choose Pull-rod at the rear to get the bulky springs out of the way (low down). If they want to prioritize mechanic access or front wing airflow, they might choose Push-rod.
Teams can choose different layouts front vs rear. For example, Red Bull often runs Pull-rod front and Push-rod rear, while others do the opposite.
Active Suspension?
Banned.
Active suspension (computer-controlled hydraulics that keep the car perfectly flat) was used in the early 90s but is illegal today.
Even though 2026 cars have "Active Aero" (movable wings), the suspension must remain passive (springs and dampers). This forces teams to find clever mechanical compromises.