The Canadian Grand Prix kicked off with an interesting start as the FIA looked to limit porpoising. After many F1 drivers complained about the phenomenon after the race in Baku, the FIA decided to intervene in the matter. After the issuing of the new Technical Directive, there have been a lot of questions about what it means for performance and which teams will gain or lose the most. 

Why did the FIA introduce such a rule in F1?

As per the FIA, Formula 1 teams will have to adhere to the buffer solution. While this is a short-term fix, given that the new cars will be around for a longer period of time, this cannot happen next year. Given it was during the middle of the season, the FIA did not want to alter the current standings of the championship. Hence, it is now up to the F1 teams to ensure the safety of their drivers. But also to figure out a way to extract performance from their cars. 

Pierre Gasly has been vocal about the dangers of porpoising after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Claiming that he would have to walk with a cane at 30 if this goes on, the French Formula 1 driver is happy to see the FIA step up. “I am very happy that the Federation has taken the views of us riders seriously, responding quickly with some measures,” he said. (Translated using Google.)

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“We already said it in Baku: it was important to act as soon as possible because it is a real problem for us drivers”.

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Speaking further, Gasly added that not a lot will change. Teams will have to make a few changes in regards to the directive and hence the pecking order could be the same. Pierre concluded that this was a good decision with respect to the health of Formula 1 drivers. 

Which teams are poised to take advantage of the new rule? And who will lose out?

Just as any changes are brought, some F1 teams will lose out while others won’t. Although it seems like Ferrari and Mercedes are set to be hurt the most, it is imperative to see how the new technical directive is implemented.  

Since the last race in Baku, the FIA has been collecting data on the porpoising. While there hasn’t been a fixed set value to which the car can bounce, it will do so after the practice sessions in Canada. This will give Formula 1 teams the time they need to adapt and set up the car accordingly. Given that teams have not been able to study the changes in the simulator, it will be interesting to see who gets it right. 

Red Bull is expected to be the benefactor of this new rule. All season long their cars haven’t been victims of extreme porpoising. The Mercedes W13 works in a very narrow set-up window while the Ferrari F1-75 has a wider setup window and it could help to limit the losses. 

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It is yet to be seen how teams will react, but this is definitely an interesting change mid-season. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section.