By Joe Man
Once again everyone in Formula 1 is talking about one thing. Bouncing cars!
Whether it’s the newly infamous porpoising or the bouncing off the ground, the problem is real. With no imminent changes in the regulations expected, it looks like it his here to stay, for no at least.
The question is what to do about it? As we know by now, the porpoising issues have been caused by this years new regulations. The cars now need to create more downforce from the lower bodywork and the floor. Some teams are affected to a greater extent than others and some in slightly different ways. The worst hit being Mercedes. The sight of Lewis Hamilton attempting to get out of his car after the race in Azerbaijan was shocking for all. His body had basically been smashed for the whole race by hitting the floor he was bouncing so much. Ironically the car hitting the floor has been caused my Mercedes efforts to stop the porpoising. The street tracks haven’t helped either. With Montreal next up in terms of location, it looks like more of the same can be expected.
Other teams have suffered too, however, and have started to become more vocal about it. Daniel Riccardo talked about being very sore and feeling that someone could lose control at high speed if the issue isn’t sorted. No one want to see that!
The ever consistent George Russell has also been vocal in raising the issue, for some time.
Here lies the problem. Although not simple, the easiest and most obvious solution is for the FIA to step in and raise the ride height regulations for everyone. Problem solved. It is however not surprising that Christian Horner is never going to agree to such a change. His drivers are not suffering as bad and they are running away with the championship. Ferrari also haven’t been as vocal in light of their new success. They all know one thing. Raise the ride height could create a Mercedes rocketship.
Of course, Mercedes know that better than anyone hence Mr Diplomatic George Russell talking about it at every chance.
I don’t want belittle the pain Lewis went through last weekend, but could he be hamming it up a little? Would the seven-time champion do something like that? Due to the famous radio messages such as; “my tyres are gone” before setting the fastest lap, or;“I might as well retire the car” before tearing through the field to claim P4, makes me think he might just be up to something.
Toto Wolff was very quick to say Lewis might miss the race altogether in Canada but it didn’t take long before we heard Hamilton confirm he would indeed race.
Whether Mercedes are exaggerating this or not, it is a serious problem. The long term affect of a full season could be dangerous on the health of these drivers. Concussion issues need to be discussed and measured appropriately.
The FIA might take the approach of getting Canada out of the way before a return to smoother race tracks. And the hope that the bouncing dies down. Either way I doubt Toto’s team are looking forward to the weekend at all! If the British driver is as sore as he says the morning after Montreal, that won’t be a good sign. Time will tell whether Lewis saying the words “still we rise” will be him just trying to get up!
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