Floor changes to eradicate porpoising confirmed by FIA

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The FIA's World Motor Sport Council has approved changes to Formula 1's 2022 and 2023 technical regulations that aim to solve the porpoising issues impacting the sport's current generation cars.

The aerodynamic vertical oscillation phenomenon - or bouncing - that appeared at the start of the season, a by-product of F1's ground-effect cars, has been addressed with an immediate tweak to the rules that will be implemented from next week's Belgian Grand Prix and with a longer-term solution that will become mandatory at the start of the 2023 season.

From the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA will be measuring the phenomenon and expecting teams to operate below a certain threshold in order for their car to be considered safe.

Changes to re-define the stiffness requirements of plank and skids around the thickness measurement holes will also be introduced at Spa.

But for next season, floor edges will be raised by 15mm, a compromise number reached by the teams, while the diffuser throat height will also be raised, and its edges stiffened.

Furthermore, an additional sensor will be mandated to monitor porpoising more effectively.

Read also: FIA finally green lights 2026 Formula 1 engine regulations

Regarding the measures, the FIA states that "care has been taken to avoid any impact on the teams’ designs of the mechanical components".

The latter was a specific concern of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner who advocated against changes to the 2023 car's floor designs so late in the day.

Finally, the WMSC also approved key changes to strengthen safety standards for the roll hoops of Formula 1 cars.

The modifications are the result of an investigation into Zhou Guanyou's dramatic startline crash at Silverstone last month, during which the roll hoop on the Chinese driver's Alfa Romeo dug into the tarmac and broke off the chassis.

Teams will be required for 2023 to design roll hoops with a rounded top to minimize the risk of the element digging into the tarmac.

But a new minimum height has been determined for the point of application of the homologation test, while there will be a new physical homologation test where the load pushes the roll hoop in the forward direction.

Plans for an overhaul of the homologation tests for F1's roll hoops are also expected for 2024 to boost the element's safety.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.