Formula 1: Carlos Sainz calls for a broader debate on the effects of "losing."
Written byTimes Magazine
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari wants a broader debate about the long-term health effects of the new generation of Formula 1 cars.
Sainz said he was in pain from racing in a car with a stiffer suspension to counter the bounce or "guinea pig" caused by the new aerodynamic rules.
Asked how the car will go at next week's Monaco Grand Prix, the Spaniard said: "It's more than just Monaco.
"How much does a driver have to pay for his back and health in a Formula 1 career with a car philosophy like that?"
The new car design rules introduced this season were meant to increase the chances of overtaking - but the side effect was that cars were more likely to "kill the pigs," and the team had to find a way to work around this.
Sainz, who is fifth in the drivers' standings after finishing third at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, added: "I think the first thing we need to do is start a debate.
"I think the rules are good. They do exactly what we need to race. Sainz, 27, has competed in 145 races since joining Formula One in 2015 and says he is "already feeling" the effects of the changes to the car.
"I've done the backtest, tightened the neck, and I can see I'm tighter this time of year," he said.
"I do not need expert advice to know that ten years like this will be difficult, and you have to work hard for mobility and flexibility.
However, former Sainz team-mate Lando Norris has suggested there is a way to engineer the car to reduce guinea pigs without causing back problems.
England's Norris, whose McLaren bounced less than any other team, said: "I think you will end up with far worse consequences than a 50 or 60G crash like some of us have done."
He also proposed a redesign that would reduce rebound and reduce speed and power.
Trending News
