SportsAugust 20, 2026
outwash
OWT-wosh
Definition
In automotive aerodynamics, the phenomenon of directing airflow outward and away from the body of the car to minimize the negative impact of turbulent air on the vehicle's efficiency.
Etymology
The term is a compound of 'out' and 'wash,' where 'wash' refers to the turbulent flow of air or water created by a moving object. It has been used in geology since the 19th century and later adopted into fluid dynamics to describe outward-moving wake patterns.
In the news
The article describes how current 2026 racing regulations have heavily restricted the outwash effect, forcing teams to find new ways to manipulate airflow around the car's bodywork.
Why Ferrari’s radical SF-26 philosophy is bringing back memories of 2017
Read the full article ↗Scuderia Ferrari Fans