Push rod suspension is a type of suspension layout used in Formula 1 where a diagonal rod connected to the upper part of the wheel upright pushes the spring and damper mechanism, which is mounted higher in the car. This raises the components compared to a pull rod layout, which can affect the car’s centre of gravity and aerodynamics. Push rod suspension is commonly used at the front of the car, where the geometry suits the layout better. Teams choose between push rod and pull rod based on their overall aerodynamic and handling philosophy.
Example: The team have opted for a push rod front suspension layout — it suits the aerodynamic concept they’re running at the front of the car.
Push rod and pull rod refer to the direction of force through the suspension linkage — not to how stiff or soft the suspension is. They are layout configurations, not hardness settings.
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