Sebastian Vettel is tackling a “new problem” in Formula 1
Sebastian Vettel is known for his commitment to human and environmental causes. This time, Vettel is asking the FIA to monitor the carbon dust emissions from the single-seaters.
After making a name for himself in Austria with a bee-themed helmet to send a message for the protection of bees, Sebastian Vettel continues to want to change things within Formula 1. Once the race was over, he appeared on the microphone with his face blackened by a harmful element to health: carbon dust. This dust is created during braking phases due to the friction between carbon discs and pads.
The problem was less significant in previous years, as the dust was directed towards the wheels where it would settle. Unfortunately, in 2022, the new technical regulations for the single-seaters result in the dust being extracted upwards and projected towards the rear and into the cockpit. Vettel wants the FIA to address this issue in order to prevent harm to the health of the drivers, spectators, and the environment.
(EN) It’s something that I think they need to work on because due to the design of the brake ducts this year, the front axle blows all the brake dust onto our faces, and that’s not good, explained Sebastian Vettel on Sky Sports.
« Breathing in carbon dust isn’t really something healthy. I hope that the FIA will address this issue very soon, as it’s unnecessary and easy to change. »
This is not a really current issue. Since the brakes of race cars are often made of carbon-ceramic, it is not surprising to find this phenomenon in all motor racing competitions. For example, in 2019, Valtteri Bottas admitted to often sneezing black dust.
