For the 2023 Formula 1 season, the FIA is moving ahead with plans to limit the ‘porpoising’ effect that some cars have been dealing with during the current F1 campaign, despite the fact that some teams believe this is no longer an issue for them. claiming it is no longer a problem.
During the last few weeks, a few drivers have complained about the severe bumping they have experienced in some Formula 1 races since the start of the season. Yet Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto recently pointed out that porpoising “was not a subject in Silverstone, it has not been here a subject, in Austria, for [any] of us. I’m pretty sure it will not be in the next two races.”
However, after a meeting of the FIA’s Formula 1 Technical Advisory Committee this week, the sport’s governing body confirmed there no change is planned for its upcoming directive, which will be introduced after the summer break in the Belgian Grand Prix and should at least partially fix the issue.
“The FIA reaffirmed its strong commitment to reduce and hopefully eliminate the issue in the near term, as it is considered to be a significant safety matter,” said the FIA in a statement – “It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the FIA to intervene for safety matters, and the reason the regulations allow such measures to be taken is precisely to allow decisions to be taken without being influenced by the competitive position each team may find themselves in,” it added.
Starting with the race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the skid blocks in the cars’ floors will be stiffened, as further details regarding how they are measured for wear to evaluate their legality will also be proivded.
At the same race the FIA will reveal its metric that sets a limit on the vertical movement of the cars. Ahead of that, F1 teams can evaluate their cars’ pace in line with the metric. Yet the FIA explained that the changes that will be introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix are “short-term measures” which “are not considered necessarily to be the long-term solution to the problem”. It also considers it “likely” that porpoising will get worse next season given the fact that teams will be able to improve their cars’ designs and generate more downforce.
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As a result, the FIA has proposed four big changes to the technical regulations for the 2023 championship with the goal of further reducing the aero effect. Four changes have been submitted to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for approval.
Two changes will alter the design of the cars. The floor edges will be raised by 25mm and the under-floor diffuser throat will also be raised.
The FIA will also give itself better means to ensure the compliance of cars. A more stringent lateral floor deflection test will be introduced and cars will be fitted with more accurate sensors to help quantify the aerodynamic oscillation.
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