“Shame they didn’t take steps to correct human error of Abu Dhabi GP,” Fans give their take on FIA’s intervention to solve porpoising issues

“Shame they didn’t take steps to correct human error of Abu Dhabi GP,” Fans give their take on FIA’s intervention to solve porpoising issues

Eduardo Freitas(on the left) and Niels Wittich(on the right)

The FIA will implement regulation revisions to reduce porpoising, or the forceful bouncing of cars. Formula One’s governance structure was called into retirement after a number of operators voiced out at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, saying that if the issue was not rectified, they could face long-term medical issues.

After several drivers complained of chronic back pain after Baku, and others said they had trouble concentrating on braking areas due to the bouncing, the FIA decided to intervene on health grounds, which means their revisions do not need the teams’ approval.

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“The FIA has decided to intervene following consultation with its doctors in the interests of safety of the drivers. In a sport where the competitors are routinely driving at speeds in excess of 300kmh, it is considered that all of a driver’s concentration needs to be focused on that task and that excessive fatigue or pain experienced by a driver could have significant consequences should it result in a loss of concentration,” said a spokesperson of the FIA.

Also Read: FIA intervenes as teams call for a technical meeting regarding the porpoising issue

FIA’s regulations on porpoising

FIA
FIA

On straights, porpoising happens as cars gain and lose downforce due to ground-effect aerodynamics beneath the vehicle’s bottom. It’s an unintended consequence of regulations enacted prior to the start of the new season, with certain clubs bearing the brunt perhaps more than others. Mercedes is one among the brands that has had issues, with Azerbaijan seeing the worst of the situation so far.

Fans are calling out the governing body for Formula One for their delayed intervention in the motorsport for looking into the matter of porpoising. Porpoising has surfaced as a serious health hazard for all drivers alike.

Lewis Hamilton struggled to get out of his car, and his teammate, George Russell, the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, was particularly vocal about the need for the FIA to intervene. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz too has stated that this is a problem that must be addressed.

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