Toto Wolff counters Christian Horner’s accusation that Mercedes are lobbying for the porpoising measures
Soon the FIA will decide how to proceed with the underbody of the new Formula 1 cars in 2023. In recent weeks, there have been intense discussions between the teams as to whether or not the FIA should intervene on the issue of porpoising. There is talk of raising the underbody edges and the diffuser, which would have a significant impact on the design.
While Mercedes has repeatedly spoken out publicly in favour, Ferrari and Red Bull in particular oppose the plans and do not want any outside intervention. They fear that the measures could mainly benefit Mercedes.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner had been outspoken before the summer break, saying, “I think there’s a lot of lobbying going on to change the rules significantly for next year so that a certain team can run their car lower and benefit from that concept. “
When asked about the lobbying accusation, however, Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff just waves it off: “I think he’s just bored up there at the front. That’s fine for him,” he says and emphasises that there is no lobbying towards the FIA – at least no more than with other teams.
“Working with the FIA is always part of it,” Wolff says. “I don’t know what he’s referring to, but at the end of the day we’re both part of the same circus,” the Austrian says, wondering: “So he doesn’t lobby? He sits in his office and doesn’t call anyone and just does his thing?”
But Wolff is also clear why statements are made in Formula One as they are made: “When you’re in front, of course you want to make sure that nothing changes. And when you’re not in front, you want to make sure a lot of things change. Those are the two positions at stake.”
He thinks they should just ask the riders about the issue, because he doesn’t think the porpoising problem is solved just because they’ve been on proper, smooth circuits lately.
“It hasn’t gone away. The cars are far too stiff and bounce. And if you ask the drivers, a large proportion will agree – at least if you ask them anonymously,” he is sure. “There has been a discussion among the drivers, but no one is talking about the outcome.”
For him, it’s not about finding any compromise either: “It’s about a technical set of rules to protect the drivers. And if the cars are too stiff and bounce, then something should be done about it now. “
