It’s like heading heavy footballs – George Russell calls for porpoising solution

George Russell fears Formula One drivers could be exposed to long-term head trauma if the sport’s ‘porpoising’ phenomenon is not resolved.

The British driver compared the new-for-2022 sensation – when the car violently bounces on its suspension at high speed – to football’s dementia problem.

A recent study showed former professional footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from the disease than the general population.

Mercedes have visibly suffered with porpoising more than most following the introduction of new aerodynamic rules.

But Ferrari – despite their driver Charles Leclerc holding a 19-point title lead over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix – have also suffered.

“When you are travelling at 200mph on the straight, and you are smashing up and down on the ground, for sure you wouldn’t choose to have it that way,” said Russell, 24.

“The cars are extremely rigid and they are not meant to be a comfortable ride.

“You could compare it to the footballers of the 60s, 70s and 80s when they had the massively heavy footballs.

“Research was done and analysis was done that there were health consequences for these chaps who headed the ball, and things were changed.

“Formula One is the centre of innovation and there is no reason why we cannot find a scientific solution for this.”

Mercedes have brought a number of new parts to the sixth round of the campaign at a sweltering Circuit de Catalunya – including a revised floor and a new front wing – in the hope of combating the porpoising woes which have so far derailed their campaign.

While the problem was still evident in both Friday’s practice sessions, Hamilton and Russell did not appear to be bouncing as vehemently as at other rounds.