Sainz is concerned about the impact on the drivers’ health due to the new F1 cars

After five races this season, the new 2022 regulations can already provide some answers. At the moment, we cannot say that it is a failure. Visually, the cars are better able to follow each other, much to the delight of the fans.

But behind this good news, these new cars are completely different to drive for the 20 men who make up the grid. When Carlos Sainz is asked about how the Monaco Grand Prix will go with these new models, the Spaniard believes it will be a big challenge. Monaco will be tough and all that, but I’m thinking in the longer term. […] I think the kerbs in Miami were already quite aggressive in these cars. There were some bumps in Imola that were tough on the body.

« More than Monaco, we need to think as drivers and in F1, how much should a driver have to pay for their back and health in a F1 career with this kind of car philosophy? I think we must mainly open up the debate.

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For the Spanish driver, the strain endured by the neck and back is much greater with these new F1 cars. « I think the regulations are excellent. They are exactly what we need for the races. But do we really need to race with our neck and back as strained as we have lately, with the weight of these cars? »

Not helped by his crash during the free practice sessions in Miami, Carlos Sainz is already concerned about his neck pain. « I have not received any expert advice. I have done my usual checks on my back, my neck is tight, and I can already feel it this year that I am tighter all over. I don’t need expert advice to know that ten years like this are going to be difficult, and you’re going to have to work a lot on mobility, flexibility. I will have to invest in the health, the overall health of the body. »

While considering himself as one of the most enduring drivers, Sainz admits to having doubts about his long-term health. “I am strong, I am very fit, I consider myself as one of the fittest drivers, and I have never suffered during an F1 race. But in the long term, and for our benefit, we should maybe discuss it and see what options we have.”