During the press conference that brings us closer to the weekend of Barcelona, sixth round of the 2022 Formula 1 world championship – consisting of 22 races - Charles Leclerc speaks of a problem which, according to the Monegasque and other riders, could lead to physical problems in the long run, namely the phenomenon of porpoising. After George Russell, in fact, too Carlos Sainz he expressed his concern about the problem by admitting that he suffers from back and neck problems. The fact will first be discussed among the various drivers and then with the FIA.
“This year is harder than ever on my back and neck. – he said Sainz – With the philosophy of these cars we must speak openly. I have really blocked back and neck. I already feel it after five races. You don't have to be an expert to understand that it will be very difficult if you have to continue like this for 10 years".
Leclerc he claims it varies from rider to rider and the extent of the problems. There Ferrari has in fact highlighted this problem more since Imola Grand Prix onwards, and, just a Barcelona the first important updates will arrive also to try to reduce the problem as much as possible: “Physical problems for long-term riders? I think it depends a lot on the riders, Sainz is particularly sensitive to this. We still suffer from porpoising, but there are those who are in even worse shape. It's definitely something we'll have to look at." - Said Leclerc during the press conference.
He also expressed himself on the question Verstappen who declared in a press conference: “The thing is very simple: if you want to go fast you have to reduce the ground clearance and riding will be harder on your body. It's a compromise to accept if you're willing to do it. Personally, I haven't had any major physical recovery problems after the races".
Updates will tell us the truth
From one side to the other. TO Barcelona updates for the Ferrari they will be decisive, but there is another factor to take into consideration or what the opponents will do. They certainly won't stand there and watch, and although binotto you state that the Red Bull can not continue to spend money on development, the news will also arrive in the box next door. Furthermore, in the Ferrari house one must also take into account theeconomic impact of accidents of Sainz, a not trivial problem.
Ferrari hasn't shone in the last few races, but will make the first big changes to the F1-75 to Barcelona.
As confirmed by Leclerc, Ferrari brings updates to Barcelona.
- new fund
- bellies trimmed for efficiency
- improved configuration from high load
- small slimming cure of a couple of kilos
"Red Bull seems to have a faster pace than us in the race – said Leclerc – but if we manage to recover performance we will also be able to manage tire wear better".
In the pre-weekend in Barcelona, the Monegasque had also highlighted the strengths of both: “They look better on the straight, but they also look strong in the slow corners,” remarks the World Cup leader when asked what exactly Ferrari is missing. “We saw it in Miami, for example. So we have to work across all sectors,' he warns. The Red Bull RB18 looks gradually competitive in every area, not just straight-line speed, and that means Ferrari have a lot of work to do.
