Push-Rod vs. Pull-Rod Suspension: What’s the Difference in Formula 1?

In Formula 1, even the angle of a single suspension rod can affect the entire design of the car. While the angle is critical to the car’s overall design, there is no single way of confronting this problem. In fact, two different suspension designs oppose each other. They're called push-rod and pull-rod suspension. Although push-rod and pull-rod suspension systems perform the same basic function, their different layouts create major trade-offs in packaging, aerodynamics, center of gravity, and accessibility.

First of all, what are the differences between a push-rod and a pull-rod system? In both of these systems, the wheels are connected to the suspension (which is inside the chassis) through a diagonal rod. The main function of the rod is to transfer those forces and the movement of the wheel to what is essentially a lever that turns inside the suspension. Which then transfers that movement to the shock absorber. That's where the difference happens. The push-rod system, when the wheel moves up, the rod is pushed, making its main function compression. The pull-rod system works slightly different. When the wheel moves up, the rod pulls the components and the main body, making its main function creating tension. Both of this systems do essentially the same thing, transferring the vertical movement of the wheel into movement inside the shock absorbers.

Front suspension comparison showing pull-rod and push-rod layouts in a Formula 1 car. Source: Giorgio Piola.

This begs the question, why do engineers choose one over the other? For starters, the choosing of the system depends on the machinery’s overall idea. The system is so critical to the car that teams cannot just change it mid-season as part of an upgrade package. The space in the car is so limited that changing this single system would change the whole way the other components are arranged in the car. Similarly, the center of gravity in the car changes dramatically between these systems. Overall, the lower the center of gravity is, the more stable the car is on the curves. The pull-rod system allows some components to be lower, therefore, lowering the center of gravity. The third reason is aerodynamics. The rods are exposed, which means they generate drag and redistribute the airflow. The angle at which this rods are set changes how fast, how much, and at what angle will the air hit the rest of the car (this includes the sidepods, floor and the air entry to other zones). The fourth reason is maintenance and accessibility, the mechanics need access to the components to change pieces, fix damage, insect the car, etc. With a push-rod, the internal components are usually higher and are more accessible. The pull-rod can be lower and deeper in the car, which can make it harder to reach. This matters since in a race weekend, the mechanics have very limited time between sessions to change and adjust parts of the car.

Overall, choosing between one or another system is a strategy game. Engineers have to weigh the overall benefits and disadvantages to decide which system ultimately grants them the most benefit for the cars idea. Like in engineering, there is no single “right” answer. Its a  big tedious and complicated process of trial an error that has to be solved before the season starts. If it is not resolved on time, the team is at a huge disadvantage that cannot be resolved throughout the season. For example, in 2012, Ferrari decided to use a front pull-rod suspension. On paper it seemed great, it would help the center of gravity and would grant better airflow. When the season begun, problems arose. First of all, the system’s geometry was too horizontal, which meant the forces they transferred were hard to transfer to the suspension. Besides, the components where not as accessible for the mechanics. Overall, the F2012 (Ferrari's car that year) was a hard season where they suffered from being far from the overall race pace. Of course, it wasn’t only the suspension’s fault but it was one of the main contributors to a disappointing 2012 season for the escuderia.

In conclusion, both systems perform the same function, but they offer completely different solutions. There is no single “better” design; it depends entirely on the car’s overall concept and priorities. Choosing between push-rod and pull-rod means balancing packaging, aerodynamics, center of gravity, and accessibility. In Formula 1, there are many ways to solve the same engineering problem; the real challenge is finding a solution that works better than your competitors’.

Sources / References

• Formula 1. (2023, April 13). F1 explainer: What’s the difference between pull-rod and push-rod suspension? Formula 1.

• Hardy, E. (2024, February 28). What is the difference between F1 push-rod and pull-rod suspension? 

• Scarborough, C. (2012, February 15). The pros and cons of Ferrari’s pull-rod design. Autosport.

• Scarborough, C. (2012, March 28). The problems with Ferrari’s front pull-rod suspension. RaceFans.

• Symonds, P. (2026, June 25). Explaining the push and pull factors of Formula 1 suspension. Autosport.

• Piola, G. (n.d.). Pull-rod and push-rod front suspension comparison [Illustration].