Carlos Sainz says riding kerbs in Monaco with 2022 F1 cars is like an "earthquake"

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz likened riding the kerbs at the Monaco circuit in Monte Carlo with the 2022 Formula 1 cars to an “earthquake”. The 2022 F1 challnegers are heavier and more tightly-sprung, which has led many drivers to point out the far more bumpy rides this year on the streets of Monte Carlo, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton describing it the “bumpiest track I’ve ever driven“, while his Mercedes team-mate George Russell felt like he was doing “wheelies” at certain stages during the two free practice sessions on Friday.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz was also asked to comment on this matter after driving the F1-75 car in Monaco. In an interview after Friday practice, Carlos having finished P3 and then P2, said: “It is different, very different than what we been driving the last few years around here. The important thing is that we are competitive, that we are feeling pretty good for the challenge that it is. The cars are a lot more all over the place, a lot trickier with the bumps with the kerbs. But yeah, the important thing is that it seems like the others are struggling even more.” – the Spanish driver explained.

Asked about how the Ferrari F1-75 car is adapting to this unique street track as compared to their rivals, Carlos Sainz added: “So I guess we seem to be working the tyres when at the same time we seem to have a decent level of grip, which is an important thing around here. And then it seems like the ride, the bumps, the kerbs seems to be like it’s a challenge for everyone.” – he continued.

But how does Carlos Sainz feel about the experience of these bumps and ride of the kerbs? Well, the Ferrari driver settled for comparing it to an “earthquake”: “The rollercoaster kind of feeling, more like a bit of an earthquake going on all the time in the car. But getting used to it, the visibility, the way to attack each corner with all the bumps, I’ve said you see some new challenges, and I’m enjoying it but at the same time, you need to keep an eye on everything.” – Carlos said.

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The Spanish driver was then asked of the Maranello technicians can do anything in order to improve the handiling of the F1-75 car or if it is all down to driving style, Carlos Sainz explained: “Well, obviously we take set-up compromises, but softening up this year’s cars, you pay a price in downforce too. So there’s always a trade there to be made, while on the other hand, on the driving style, you just need to live with it, live with the unsettling of the bumps and find ways to…even if the car bounces around a lot, still be confident with it.” – the Ferrari driver concluded.