Active suspension solution for porpoising? 'Cars would be faster too'

During the Formula 1 winter test in Barcelona, a remarkable problem reared its head: 'porpoising', or a bouncing effect was visible on the cars. For the teams, it is important to solve this as soon as possible. George Russell sees a possible solution in bringing back active suspensions, but there is one problem: it is illegal.

Active suspensions were banned by Formula 1 in 1994. It was part of a series of changes designed to get rid of the many technical aids that were being invented. Williams was at the forefront of this, winning the constructors' title three times in a row.

Consideration was given to bringing back active suspension in the revised regulations, but the proposal was rejected. According to some, however, it would be a possible solution to porpoising. George Russell is among the proponents of that solution.

Active suspension as a solution to porpoising

"I guess if active suspension was there that could be solved with a click of your fingers," states the Mercedes driver in conversation with The Race. "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," he adds.

Jody Egginton, technical director of AlphaTauri, also thinks that active suspensions could solve the problem. However, he stresses that this would require a "fairly major change to the regulations" to implement it. In addition, he says, it would also be a big expense, which is certainly not desirable given the budget ceiling.