Formula One glossary

Zero keel

Describes a design method for the front suspension. The high nose designs of Formula One cars poses problems to design a front suspension, as the mounting points cannot be placed in the optimum places. As an intermediate solution, between 1995 and 2006, teams used V keels, twin keels and single keels, all of which are aimed to ease suspension design at the cost of aerodynamic efficiency.
As of 2008, all teams are however using zero keel designs, noting the absence of any extension under the tub. Instead, all wishbones connect to the tub itself, often sloping down towards the uprights. This solution is aerodynamically optimal while complicating suspension design.