British automotive engineer and founder of Lotus Cars and Team Lotus, whose aerodynamic innovations — ground effect, monocoque chassis, active suspension — transformed Formula 1 car design in the 1960s and 70s.
Invented ground effect aerodynamics in Formula 1 — using underbody airflow to generate downforce rather than wings — which doubled cornering speeds and forced a regulatory response, making him the most aerodynamically influential engineer in the sport's history.
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