The FIA has outlined four major changes to the 2023 technical regulations in its attempts to reduce and eventually eliminate porpoising from Formula 1.
The phenomenon returned to Formula 1 this year due to the ground effect rules while the stiff nature of the cars has also led to them bottoming out aggressively.
The FIA outlined short-term safety measures in Canada, including a vertical oscillation measurement, in the form of a Technical Directive.
This TD is set to be introduced after Formula 1’s summer break in Belgium.
The Technical Advisory Committee, comprising the FIA, Formula 1 and the 10 Technical Directors, gathered on Thursday to discuss the matter.
It was outlined that while the issue has been reduced in the last few races the events took place at circuits where the effect was anyway expected to be lower than normal.
It was reaffirmed that a stiffening of the plank skids, and a vertical oscillation metric, will be enforced from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards. It was also outlined that this metric will be available from next weekend’s French Grand Prix in order for teams to learn about the implications on set-up.
The FIA outlined that while teams are gaining understanding on how to control the issue there is a fear that it could worsen again in 2023 as more downforce is unlocked.
For that reason changes will be made to the 2023 regulations:
- A 25mm raising of the floor edges
- A raising of the underfloor diffuser throat
- The introduction of more stringent lateral floor deflection tests
- The introduction of a more accurate sensor to help quantify the aerodynamic oscillation.
It was also agreed that more stringent measures will be carried out on Formula 1 roll hoops from 2023 following Zhou Guanyu’s accident at Silverstone.
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