In the run-up to the 2022 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, the FIA issued a statement informing the teams of a sudden change in the technical regulations, all to try to solve the repeated porpoising problem that has so worried the drivers. for your health.
The main reason for this change in the regulations for new-generation single-seaters is the safety of those who get on them every weekend to go over 300 km/h . Since the winter tests, some already assured that this could be a headache for the highest category of motorsport, although it was not until the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when the climax was reached.
The city of Baku witnessed the aggressive rebounding that the cars carried out on its enormous straight of more than 2 kilometers in length, which led drivers such as Lewis Hamilton to criticize the international federation for not doing anything about it, insisting on their severe back pain.
Precisely the seven-time world champion has been one of the most affected by porpoising in this 2022, and it is that his team, Mercedes, has barely been able to solve this effect that is back in Formula 1 after several decades.
Some members of the current grid were in his line, such as his teammate, George Russell, the director of the GPDA (drivers’ association), but also someone who could be a direct rival if the W13 improves, Carlos Sainz.
The Spaniard from Ferrari was one of those who previously warned of the problems that the rebound could cause, although another who is in the fight for the top positions and who has barely seen porposing present in his car, Max Verstappen, thinks otherwise.
The current world champion assured that it did not make sense for the rules to change due to the complaints of certain teams, in clear reference to Mercedes, describing the FIA’s intervention as “shameful”.
This reached the ears of Lewis Hamilton, who has led this movement of criticism towards the rebound from the beginning, and after the race in Canada, in which he shared the podium with Ferrari and Red Bull, he responded.
With a view to the next test in Great Britain, the Briton recalled the challenges presented by this fast track and in which porpoising can still be present despite the change in rules .
“I don’t know how it will be in Copse, for example. Max [Verstappen] doesn’t know what I’m talking about, but Carlos [Sainz] does,” said the seven-time champion. “It’s going to be interesting for us.”
For the grand prix at Silverstone, which is scheduled for the first weekend of July, Mercedes hopes to have these setbacks almost under control with the rebound effect, in addition to benefiting from the nature of the circuit, since their fast linked are adapted well to the characteristics of the W13, as could be seen in Spain.
However, there is still a big step to be taken if the Silver Arrows want to revalidate or at least fight for their ninth consecutive constructors’ title in Formula 1, which seems to be between two candidates right now, Red Bull and Ferrari. .
