Porpoising explained

The problem

With the current new regulations that should promote racing (this is due to the so-called ''ground effect''), it also has a disadvantage, which is porpoising. All teams suffer from it and some more than others.

To build the perfect race car, you need to master ground effect, which refers to the various phenomena that create downforce, and that's exactly what it sounds like - in a car, it specifically means directing power through the tires to the road to maximize speed and traction . When these principles don't align as intended, one of the unfortunate outcomes is porpoising, which get their name from the idea of ​​dolphins diving into the ocean and then surfacing again and again. Both the cars and the drivers bounced wich is especially noticeable on the straights.

How to fix this?

You cannot just solve this problem overnight. you can ensure that the amount of porpoising is reduced by means of updates or adjustments to the setup. If the FIA ​​wants porpoising to be completely gone, they will have to change the rules for next year. Several teams added stays to stop the floor edge deforming or trimmed away at the outboard edge of the floor, trying to deal with this porpoising phenomenon. Others increased the suspension stiffness and static ride height in a bid to stop it and understand the sensitivities. The consensus is that there is an aerodynamic solution to the porpoising issue.

The question is how the teams and the FIA ​​deal with porpoising. Will the ride height change? Will there be changes to the suspension? We now know that discussions have already taken place between the drivers/team managers. Toto Wolf says drivers have agreed that changes should be made, but there was one driver (Alonso) who he said had no problems. One thing is certain, the FIA ​​will have to speak up quickly. Do they take action or let the teams solve the problem. Time will tell!