FIA and teams compromise on porpoising rules for 2023

The World Motor Sport Council has voted on the porpoising regulations towards the Belgian Grand Prix and the 2023 season, reports The FIA. It has been decided that mandatory rules will be implemented to combat the problem.

The FIA has been pressing for weeks for a change to the porpoising issue for 2023. According to the governing body, a mandatory rule change is required due to safety risks. Among other things, the edge of the floor must be raised according to the new FIA rules. However, not all teams agree on the new height.

Especially Mercedes is in favour of the mandatory rules. According to the team of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell the porpoising problem causes dangerous situations. Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, on the other hand, plead for a compromise because the rule change would come too late in the season. In terms of time and budget it would not be feasible to make changes now for the new season.

Decision made on porpoising rules this season

The FIA already confirmed on Monday that there will be an update in the 2023 technical regulations, on top of the measures already taken this season from the Belgian GP. It has been decided that a number of guidelines will apply at the end of this month. For example, the organisation is intervening in the area of the flexibility of the floor. On a number of points it has to be stronger than previously agreed.

It will also measure how much the cars bounce, looking at safety and possibly penalising teams. In this way the FIA hopes to provide solutions in the short term.

Teams must prepare for 2023

Regarding the raising of the floor, a compromise has been found for 2023. This number has been fixed at 15 millimetres. In addition, the diffuser must be raised and the teams must work on the stiffness of this part. Thirdly, the FIA points to an extra sensor on the car. This should contribute to the organisation being able to measure the bounce better.