The rear tyres are larger because of the massive amount of grip needed to handle the cars horse power and torque. The front tyres are smaller to increase air penetration and have a smaller frontal area which would reduce drag. The same applies to the wings. The rear is much larger to aid with traction at the rear and the front is smaller.

The down force created by the car is massive. The cars could theoretically...

The rear tyres are larger because of the massive amount of grip needed to handle the cars horse power and torque. The front tyres are smaller to increase air penetration and have a smaller frontal area which would reduce drag. The same applies to the wings. The rear is much larger to aid with traction at the rear and the front is smaller.

The down force created by the car is massive. The cars could theoretically drive upside down (in a tunnel) at high speeds because of the down force. It can be more than twice the total weight of the car. This is the reason a Formula One car can take turns at around 5 Gs.

In 1976 Tyrrell took the idea of a smaller frontal area to the level of using 4-10" front tyres on the Tyrrell P34. Other manufacturers developed this design, but it was discontinued because of the lack of development of the special 10" tyres.