Aug.4 - "A lot of lobbying" is still taking place as Formula 1 decides what to do about the so-called 'porpoising' phenomenon.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the aerodynamic bouncing caused by the reversion to ground-effect regulations this year risks the health and safety of the drivers.

But the complaints have coincided with Mercedes falling behind both Red Bull and Ferrari this year, as the German team forced to make "compromises" with setup to minimise the porpoising.

Mercedes team keeps pushing for regulation changes to get F1 rivals

George Russell

"At the same time, Mercedes is pointing at the floors of the Red Bull and Ferrari cars," Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt points out.

Mercedes suspects the floors of the two title-contending teams are excessively flexing, as reflected in the desire to have a 25mm ride-height raise confirmed in the regulations.

"Mercedes thinks Red Bull and Ferrari gain about three tenths because of being able to run the cars about 6 millimetres off the ground," Schmidt said.

Mercedes driver George Russell confirmed: "There is no doubt that Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard.

"And we've sort of respected it as the regulation was intended. Spa is going to be interesting with some changes to some little regulations, which may bring other teams towards us."

Schmidt, meanwhile, continued: "Red Bull and Ferrari are quite nervous about the FIA's technical guidelines. They don't want to swallow it at all.

"There is currently a lot of lobbying with the FIA to reach a compromise."


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12 F1 Fan comments on “Mercedes team keeps pushing for regulation changes to get F1 rivals

  1. ReallyOldRacer

    "And we've sort of respected it as the regulation was intended. Spa is going to be interesting with some changes to some little regulations, which may bring other teams towards us."

    Unusual interview misstep by Georgie Boy. The point is to improve, not have the other guys regress.

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  2. Shroppyfly

    Toto talking thru his schnitzel again , if they'd got a better newey bloke they'd have been ahead but they havnt ,so they aren't .... end of.. in my book.as for lobbying in UK it's allowed, in Austria and Mercland it isnt Ok that's in politics but should be like that in f1

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  3. CanadianEh

    Once again, Mercedes Benz is showing the rest of the Paddock what a bully they are. MB is very much like American's in that regard - bring overwhelming force to bear to achieve their goal. Like squashing a fly with a 5-pound hammer.

    All the teams have to agree, do they not? So lobbying aside, the group conscience as expressed in a vote should carry the day...

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    • Donalf

      Your starting me off again. I shall probably be called a Hammy hater and merc hater but mercedes will play the sob story until they get their way.. I think Mercedes are running third at the moment but they want to be up the front where they think they have the right as always, they should stop playing the game and give a thought 💭 to midfield & tail-end teams & drivers who have to bear the hardships at every race because they can't change the rules to suit them. Mercedes get to much say and usually get thier way.

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  4. smokey

    Colin Chapman didn't have these issues with the ground effect cars that he pioneered! Different principles in today's technology I know, however, it seems not everyone is up to the task of perfecting the skill of aerodynamics.

  5. Donalf

    Toto wolfe continues to harass F1 over rule changes that will effect RB & Ferrari saying that they will lose 2 tenths on their race pace taking them back to match mercedes,, now if the FIA has passed all the cars in the first place,, how likely are they to change the rules mid~season, how can mercedes blatantly grovel like they do when they have failed to produce a competitive car.

    • John B

      Same old 😴 Same old

      Toadster and FIA joined at the hip

      Secret squirrels abound

      We have to suffer their machinations to bring MB to a level they do not deserve

      I smell rotten eggs


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