I think it may be that but not necessarily as in laminar flow the inertia (speed) is low to the viscosity so the primary force here is viscosity so it can stay attached easily, and F1 cars are not transonic cars.Not necessarily. A laminar boundayr layer will seperate much sooner due to the smaller velocity gradient near the wall surface.
But you're right it can happen, maybe some part do need vortex lift.
Well, aren't we talking about airfoils as vortex generators?Laminar flow does result in a reduction in skin friction drag which is the dominant drag mechanism for streamlined devices (like airfoils). But for big ugly bluff bodies, like an F1 car, pressure drag is the dominant drag mechanism, so turbulence in the boundary layer actually becomes beneficial in order to delay separation. Laminar boundary layers will seperate much earlier, and thus will lead to an increase in pressure drag.
This is those downforce producing devices that leave random vortex behind them.
Other than that i agree with you.
For teams designing turbulences on purpose not being followed, i just quote pat Symonds saying team design their car to be in front of everybody, that is the quickest.
Good start and then you're on the pace and maintain it the longer possible.
So it leaves the possibility then indeed set up their car not to be followed.