Carlos Sainz worries long-term health of new F1 drivers as he calls for debate
Carlos Sainz says motorists could pay a material price in the long term if Formula 1 is in line with their current car philosophy; The Ferrari driver, who says he has neck and back problems due to the new cars for 2022 on the move, wants to open a debate with drivers and the FIA
By Matt Morlidge in Barcelona
Last Updated: 5/20/22 9:57 am
Carlos Sainz said he was concerned about the long-term health effects that new Formula 1 cars could have on drivers, and called for a rethink of the philosophy as he feared. pay the price with his career.”
F1 has a whole new generation of cars for 2022 with a focus on improving wheel-to-wheel racing, and although that has so far materialized, the cars are also heavier, stiffer. and expose the driver to violent collisions.
Over the five races to date, many riders have spoken about the increasing physical demands of new cars, and Sainz was one step ahead of this weekend’s Spanish GP by saying they could work. Castle.
“I think as drivers and Formula 1 we need [consider] How much a driver has to pay for his back and health in a Formula 1 career with the philosophy of this car,” said the Ferrari driver.
“I think we need to open the debate more than anything.
“I think the regulations are great, they’re doing exactly what’s needed for the race.
“But do we need to run with a strain on our neck and back like we’ve had to run with a lot of cars lately?
“For me, it’s more of a philosophical question that I pose to Formula 1 and people think again about how a driver needs to pay the price of his career with his health to against this. I’m thinking about the longer term.”
Sainz admits that the topic of health in cars is one that “drivers don’t like to talk about much, because we don’t like the faint sound.”
“I’m strong, I’m very fit and I consider myself one of the strongest,” explained the Spaniard. “I’ve never had a hard time in a Formula 1 race. But it’s longer term and for the benefit of all of us.”
He added: “I see this year I’m tighter everywhere. I’ve felt it.
“I don’t need expert advice to know that 10 years like this, it’s going to be tough and you’re going to need a lot of work to be active and flexible and I’m going to need to invest in my health and fitness. .
“Maybe we should take it out there to talk and see what options we have.”
Sainz said he has yet to speak to other drivers about his concerns or the FIA, but hopes an argument can be opened.
“There will come a point where if we decide to go in certain directions, the FIA definitely needs to get involved,” he said, “Let’s see in the future.
“It’s still very early days, that’s the mindset I had in my first five races when I had to endure the agony of porter transport, which I never even mentioned in a meeting. .
“I was probably thinking very hard and it was something very young in my head and I probably need to talk to other drivers like George who are struggling with the same phenomenon, we We need to sit down together and see what we can come up with or suggest.”