F1 2022 – Active suspension could solve porpoising problem says Russell

 George Russell says the problem of ‘porpoising’ in the new 2022 F1 cars has the potential to become a safety concern.

Russell will start his first season with Mercedes next month. The driver is the replacement for Valtteri Bottas who left for Alfa Romeo this year. With Russell in its ranks, Mercedes hopes to have two drivers in house who can fight for the world title.

George Russell believes the porpoising seen with Formula 1’s 2022 cars has the potential to become a safety concern. 

George Russell says “it’s clear if we had active suspension, the cars will be a hell of a lot faster for the same aerodynamic surfaces”.

At the 2022 Barcelona pre-season test Formula 1 cars suffered ‘porpoising’ on the straights. It is a phenomenon where the difference in air pressure above and below the car creates intermittent aero stalling, which leads to the cars doing a bouncing motion.

While most teams are struggling to solve this problem ahead of the second test in Bahrain, George Russell suggests the introduction of an active suspension could be a possible solution.

“We just saw with the Charles video just how bad it was for them,” the Briton said.

“So, I think we will need to find a solution. I guess if active suspension was there, it could be solved with a click of your fingers. And the cars would naturally be a hell of a lot faster if we had that.

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“I’m sure all the teams are capable of that, so that could be one for the future. But let’s see in Bahrain. I’m sure the teams will come up with some smart ideas around this issue.”

The FIA banned active suspension cars in Formula 1 ahead of the 1994 season, but Russell believes now is a good time for its return.

“I think it’s clear if we had active suspension, the cars will be a hell of a lot faster for the same aerodynamic surfaces, because you’d be able to optimise the ride heights for every corner speed and optimise it down the straight for the least amount of drag.

“So, it’s an easy way to make the cars go faster. And if you think of a safety aspect, then potentially [it’s better]. I’m sure there’s more limitations. I’m not an engineer.

“But we wouldn’t have this issue down the straight, that’s for sure,” Russell concluded.

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F1 2022 – Active suspension could solve porpoising problem says Russell F1 2022 – Active suspension could solve porpoising problem says Russell