The chassis is the structural core of a Formula 1 car — essentially the frame or tub that everything else is built around. It is made from carbon fibre and forms the survival cell that protects the driver in a crash. The engine, suspension, wings, and all other components attach to or around the chassis. Each team designs and builds its own chassis, which is why different cars have very different aerodynamic shapes despite using similar power units.
Example: The chassis sustained significant damage in that crash — the team will need to switch to the spare before qualifying.
The chassis is not the entire car; it is specifically the structural tub or frame, separate from the engine and other bolt-on components.
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