Carlos Sainz gives verdict on porpoising affecting drivers physical condition

Never before in this start of the 2022 Formula 1 season have drivers highlighted the issue of porpoising than in the last weekend which took place in Baku; more than for the technical problem itself, the element that generated the most discussions and concerns focused on how it can have physical consequences in the long term, even more so after seeing and hearing Lewis Hamilton complain about the pain suffered during and after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

In addition to him, there was no shortage of comments from his teammate George Russell, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Pierre Gasly. Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz also shared his thoughts on the matter.

Already on Saturday, just a few moments after the drivers briefing was held precisely to discuss the impact of porpoising on health, the Spaniard from Ferrari had commented on what emerged in the meeting with his competitors: “Friday I suffered a lot, and for some reasons I had a car or a floor that caused more porpoising and skidded the car more than our other car with the same set-up” – he said, as reported by the Italian media – “And it was very, very painful. I saw other drivers struggling on the straight, and we got to the point where we looked at each other to say: “We have to do something, because we can’t last another 10 years like this.” We therefore kindly asked the FIA to examine the matter and to listen to us drivers, because we are starting to struggle to manage the situation.” – the Ferrari driver explained in Azerbaijan.

Going into more detail, Carlos Sainz pointed out what the major problems accused by the drivers are from a physical point of view, such as to require the FIA to intervene quickly in order to resolve the issue: “We do not need a medical commission – he added – but only of something smarter about suspension or how cars are put on the track. We would like the FIA to act quickly, as quickly as possible, because otherwise the situation will start to be difficult to manage due to the accumulation of pain. I don’t know if we can talk about danger, but we have to ask ourselves if it is necessary for F1 to have 20 drivers with back problems at the end of each race. With today’s technology, why does this painful situation have to continue in our careers when there is a very simple solution? Is it really worth it? I do not believe it. I think it is not necessary and that all of us, including the teams, should think about the drivers’ health. I believe that everyone has their own opinion, but also their own interests” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded.

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