Russell calls for active suspension as solution for 'porpoising'

Mercedes driver George Russell believes a return to F1 for active suspension would solve the 'porpoising' problem with "a click of the fingers".

Active suspension was outlawed from the sport ahead of the 1994 season as part of a cut down on driver aids that were being added to the cars at the time.

All teams battled with the effects of 'porpoising' during the first pre-season test in Barcelona last week as the ground-effect cars dealt with aero stalling, causing violent bouncing on the suspension systems.

Speaking during the final day of the test, Russell warned: "It has the potential to be a real safety concern if it gets out of control.

"Obviously, if you are flat out down the straight and that starts to happen, you don't want to back off in a race scenario.

"We saw with Charles [Leclerc's] video just how bad it was for them [Ferrari].

"So we need to find a solution and I guess if active suspension was there, that could be solved with a click of the fingers.

"The cars would naturally be a hell of a lot faster if the cars had that and I am sure all the teams are capable of that so that could be one for the future.

"Let's see in Bahrain, I am sure all the teams will come up with some smart ideas around this issue?

Asked if he would like to see active suspension return to the sport, he insisted: "It is clear that if we had active suspension that the cars would be a hell of a lot faster from the same aerodynamic surfaces.

"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 that is an easy way to make the cars go faster and if you are thinking about the safety aspect, then potentially...

"I am sure there are more limitations, I am not an engineer, but I am sure we wouldn't have these issues down the straight, that's for sure."

Related

Brazilian Grand Prix

Hamilton under FIA INVESTIGATION after Brazilian GP mishap

• November 3, 2024 18:16

Latest F1 News

Red Bull chief delivers CRUCIAL update on Russell signing

• October 14, 2024 18:11