LEWIS HAMILTON’s Mercedes team could come unstuck by F1’s latest rules to stop their cars bouncing.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, are investigating what is causing some of this year’s cars to bounce up and down violently when the cars hit top speed.
Lewis Hamilton has endured a difficult start to the season
It comes after complaints from the drivers following the Azerbaijan GP when Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, were outspoken.
Russell said it was only a matter of time before the bouncing – or porpoising as it is also known – caused an accident, as drivers were unable to see where they were going.
Hamilton too was left with a back injury, saying the race was the most painful he had experienced in his 16 year F1 career.
And now the FIA have taken action – which could now back-fire on Mercedes.
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An FIA statement said: “Following the eighth round of this year’s FIA Formula One World Championship, during which the phenomenon of aerodynamic oscillations (‘porpoising’) of the new generation of Formula One cars.
“The effect of this during and after the race on the physical condition of the drivers was once again visible.
“The FIA, as the governing body of the sport, has decided that, in the interests of the safety, it is necessary to intervene to require that the teams make the necessary adjustments to reduce or to eliminate this phenomenon.”
It is widely believed that Mercedes, who have struggled with the bouncing all season, have been trying to lower their car to prevent it from happening.
But that has since triggered another problem with their car now bottoming out whenever it hits a bump in the road.
There is a feeling that the FIA will now monitor the bouncing before setting a limit on ride height, which could see Mercedes forced to increase the height of their car.
That in turn could now see them lose a chunk of their intended aerodynamic benefit, resulting in a lower top speed.
Meanwhile, Hamilton IS expected to race in this weekend’s Canadian GP, despite initial fears he would be a doubt because of his damaged back.
Boss Toto Wolff had said the seven-times world champion was doubtful but Mercedes are expecting him to be declared fit to race.
Hamilton, 37, has had to endure a bouncy car
