Porpoising

Porpoising is a bouncing or oscillating vertical motion experienced by race cars, particularly Formula 1 cars, at high speeds. The term comes from how the car's movement resembles a porpoise swimming through water.

This aerodynamic phenomenon occurs when ground effect cars generate strong downforce, pulling the car closer to the track. When the car gets too low, airflow underneath stalls, causing a sudden loss of downforce. The suspension then pushes the car back up, airflow reattaches, and the cycle repeats, creating a violent bouncing motion.

Porpoising became a significant issue in the 2022 Formula 1 season following regulation changes. It causes driver discomfort, reduces control, and can damage cars. Teams combat it by adjusting ride height, suspension settings, and aerodynamic elements, though these solutions often compromise performance.