TC – Traction Control

How Traction Control Works

A Traction Control System reduces power to the driving wheels in the event of wheelspin. Unlike a limited-slip differential, which transfers power to the opposite wheel that is not slipping, TC reduces overall power to the driving wheels, effectively slowing the car down to eliminate wheelspin. In Formula One, this is all electronically controlled.

Tuning for Optimal Performance

The main aim of TC tuning is to use only enough intervention to stop wheelspin and drifting – no more, no less. This has the added benefit of preserving tire wear without sacrificing too much power.

Because TC in Formula 1 works by cutting fuel during wheelspin (thereby reducing the engine’s power output), it is recommended to use Limited-Slip Differential settings first to try to stop wheelspin by transferring power to the other wheel with better grip. If that phase is not successful and the spin cannot be controlled in this way, traction control takes over.

Finding the right TC setting for a new track is a process of trial and error on the circuit or in simulators. On well-known tracks, F1 engineers use data from previous events, and only slight adjustments are needed if track conditions change. The goal is to reach a point where the car is not losing its rear end around slower corners, while still keeping the TC value as low as possible to get the most power to the road.

Before 2008, TC was already forbidden during the start in F1 by FIA rules. From 2008, traction control was banned completely.

The aim of tuning race cars is to make them as fast as possible, not to slow them down with TC. That responsibility belongs to the driver.

Torque Mapping as a Substitute

In the modern era, with sophisticated ECU control, engine manufacturers attempt to achieve similar results to TC through engine torque mappings. The engine torque map is a theoretical model of the engine. It represents the torque output of the engine for a given throttle position and engine speed. As well as ensuring the engine behaves as it should, the map is also used to improve the driveability of the car for the driver.

FIA Technical Regulations

9.3 Traction control :

No car may be equipped with a system or device which is capable of preventing the driven wheels from spinning under power or of compensating for excessive throttle demand by the driver.

Any device or system which notifies the driver of the onset of wheel spin is not permitted.