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Has Red Bull’s new underfloor design reduced the effects of porpoising?

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Red Bull have got a series of positive results after trying out a new underfloor design on their RB18 – has it reduced the effects of porpoising?

Porpoising has been a severe issue for all F1 teams across the grid – with multiple drivers pointing out the problem after every Grand Prix. However, Red Bull has not been significantly compromised by the phenomenon and it’s evident in their dominating performances.

Image Credits – Planet F1

RB18’s underfloor design – which is notably different in both concept and detail to that of their main rivals Ferrari – is generating a lot of attention now that more of it has been revealed following Sergio Perez’s accident in Monaco qualifying.

Credits: F1.com. Sergio Perez’s car being carried out.

F1 teams are facing challenges to control the extreme effects of porpoising. It can be triggered by bumps or the car simply running too low a ride height. Once triggered, the car starts bouncing up and down before the driver hits the brakes slowing down significantly. Teams were aware it might happen but none expected it to be so regular or extreme. Most technical directors believe it can be fixed with updates that were not part of the original development plans.

How does the new underfloor design help Red Bull to counter porpoising?

The Red Bull floor is visibly a more complex and sophisticated design than those on other cars. It is probably not a coincidence that it is relatively immune to porpoising yet still creates good downforce.

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The most significant aspect of its design is how its tunnel roof appears to be higher and more arched than those of other floors. There are several other highly distinctive features of the Red Bull floor.

Credits: Formula One

There are at least two distinct ‘mini-venturis’ within the tunnel – where the height changes to form diffusers to re-energise the airflow. Red Bull are not unique in this, but it’s another detail adding to the efficiency of the Red Bull underfloor.

Just at the point where the floor begins to taper inwards ahead of the rear wheels, there is what has been termed an ‘ice-skate’. The regulations allow a floor mini-wing ahead of the rear wheels, but don’t specify that it must be above the floor. Red Bull have interpreted this to form an additional strake – in metal to make it less vulnerable – on the underfloor there to help channel the air more aggressively towards the exit of the tunnel.

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing talk on stage during the Red Bull Racing RB18 launch at Red Bull Racing Factory on January 26, 2022 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

One has to admit that the modified underfloor design on the RB18 is certainly assisting Red Bull drivers to deliver desired results!

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Sarbik Dutta

My heart races on the F1 track and tennis courts, translating the adrenaline of each moment into words. While F1's speed thrills and tennis's finesse captivate me, my passion doesn't stop there. As a devoted follower of cricket, football, and various Olympic sports, I find myself engulfed in the highs and lows of these games. Through my writing, I aim to share the stories behind the stats, the emotions fueling the victories, and the struggles that define the journey of athletes across diverse disciplines. Being a voice that echoes the fervor of these sports is a privilege I cherish every day.

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