Pull rod suspension is a type of suspension layout used in Formula 1 where a diagonal rod connected to the lower part of the upright pulls the spring and damper mechanism, which is mounted low in the car. This lowers the centre of gravity, which can improve handling and aerodynamic performance. It is typically used at the rear of the car. The alternative is push rod suspension, where the mechanism sits higher. Teams choose between the two based on their aerodynamic and mechanical priorities.
Example: The team have switched to a pull rod rear suspension layout for this season to improve the car’s centre of gravity.
Pull rod and push rod refer to the direction in which the suspension linkage operates, not to the overall stiffness or setup of the suspension — they are layout choices, not hardness settings.
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