George Russell and Lewis Hamilton have explained how Mercedes have been able to fix the porpoising issues that affected them earlier in the 2022 campaign. Following the introduction of new technical regulations into the sport, several teams experienced bouncing problems with their cars, and the Silver Arrows seemed to particularly struggle with the effect. A technical directive was introduced by the FIA ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix in an attempt to reduce porpoising, while further changes will be implemented for 2023. Russell has credited this with enabling Mercedes to further address the issue.
Russell: Mercedes' porpoising has 'almost disappeared'
"I think it almost has disappeared," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.com , when asked whether the team's porpoising problems have completely gone. "I think the couple of small rule changes that were implemented by the FIA definitely helped, and the changes into next year by raising the floor edge, we're almost 100% sure that will take porpoising out of the equation totally." Despite the issue being persistent during the earlier stages of the 2022 F1 season, Russell admits that he has almost forgotten what porpoising feels like. "It's funny, there was once a time that I forgot what a race car felt like not to have porpoising and now, to be honest, I forgot what it does feel like to have porpoising," the Briton explained. "I think that also goes to show the progress we as a team have made, not only to cure those issues that once seemed very difficult, but also to bring a lot more performance on to the car thereafter."
Hamilton 'not convinced' rule changes will make difference
Hamilton has stated that he is still experiencing porpoising on some occasions, and the seven-time World Champion is not totally convinced that the issue will be eradicated in 2023. "I still feel bouncing, and the car is still bouncing down the straights," Hamilton said. "It's not as hardcore as it was at the beginning of the year. I think we've done an amazing job to fix it. I'm not convinced the changes for next year will change it, but I've not driven the new updated floor for it. "But we'll see, I guess in the following races."
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