In the debate about hopping Formula 1 cars, the world motorsport association FIA sees itself forced to act. Out of concern for the health of the drivers and “after consulting the doctors”, the teams are now asked to “reduce or eliminate” the problem.
According to a statement on Thursday, “in the interests of safety” the racing teams are required to “reduce or eliminate this phenomenon”. This decision was made “after consultation with the doctors”. The teams should now make “the necessary adjustments”.
In addition to short-term technical measures on the cars, the FIA will also convene a meeting with the teams to define further steps that will ensure that the problems can no longer occur in the long term.
“In a sport where competitors routinely ride at speeds in excess of 300 km/h, it is understood that a driver’s entire focus must be on the task,” the statement said. Excessive fatigue or soreness of a driver could have significant consequences.
In addition, the FIA has “concerns about the immediate physical impact on drivers’ health,” with some recently reporting back pain.
Above all, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered. Shortly after the end of the race last Sunday in Baku, TV pictures showed the 37-year-old how he apparently struggled to get out of his car. He “grit his teeth” because of the headache and back pain and made it to the finish thanks to the adrenaline.
A number of other pilots also reported similar experiences. The technical problem is caused by the vehicles that have changed significantly this season. At high speed, the cars on the straights are pressed onto the ground until they briefly touch the asphalt and are then pushed up again. The drivers are repeatedly shaken violently.
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