George Russell offers potential solution to 'porpoise effect' on new F1 cars

Mercedes driver George Russell says active suspension could be considered as a method to counter the porpoise effect we’re seeing on the new Formula 1 cars.

The new era of cars took to the track in earnest last week but on the high speed main straight at the circuit de Catalunya we saw several bobbing up and down as ground effect sucked the cars towards the tarmac before the floor stalled, releasing pressure, and they shot up again.

Indeed, it looks far from comfortable and Russell has put forward a potential resolution.

“We just saw with the Charles [Leclerc] video just how bad it was for them.

“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.

“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.

“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 an improvement].

“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.”