The FIA has introduced new rules for Formula One teams after several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, were left in pain after the Azerbaijani Grand Prix last weekend; watch the GP of Canada live all weekend on Sky Sports, with the race starting at 7pm on Sunday
Last updated: 16/06/22 18:51
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Craig Slater discusses news that FIA will take action to reduce guinea pig in the interest of pilot safety
Craig Slater discusses news that FIA will take action to reduce guinea pig in the interest of pilot safety
The FIA has introduced new measures in an attempt to combat the “stalemate” amid concerns about the safety of Formula 1 drivers before the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.
The strong jump in cars was an unexpected problem after the introduction of completely new F1 design regulations for 2022, with Mercedes being one of the most affected teams.
Lewis Hamilton complained about the problem throughout the season, but with the uneven street track in Baku during the Azerbaijani Grand Prix last weekend, which exacerbated the problem and left the seven-time world champion in severe pain after the race, the Formula One rulemaker took measures.
The technical directive issued by the FIA will force guinea pig teams to change the setting of their car to protect their drivers by introducing a limit on the level of “vertical oscillations”.
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Hamilton says he prayed for Azerbaijan’s GP to end because of the level of pain he is experiencing
Hamilton says he prayed for Azerbaijan’s GP to end because of the level of pain he is experiencing
A statement from the FIA said: The physical condition of the pilots was again visible, the FIA, as the governing body of the sport, decided that in the interests of safety it was necessary to intervene to ask the teams to make the necessary adjustments to reduce or eliminate this phenomenon. “
The FIA added that it would also launch an investigation – in consultation with teams – on how to reduce the guinea pig in the “medium term”.
It was also explained that the decision was influenced by fears about pain and distraction caused by the appearance of a pig, which can distract drivers and cause accidents at high speeds.
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Lewis Hamilton was obviously in pain getting out of his car after his Mercedes suffered more problems in Azerbaijan, prompting Toto Wolf to apologize.
Lewis Hamilton was obviously in pain getting out of his car after his Mercedes suffered more problems in Azerbaijan, prompting Toto Wolf to apologize.
Hamilton, along with his Mercedes teammate George Russell and team leader Toto Wolff, spoke of safety concerns from the early stages of the season, but with more cars suffering in Baku, almost universal support came from all over the paddock.
Several other drivers have spoken out, with McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo insisting he is ready to help push for change to protect his rivals.
However, Red Bull boss Christian Horner questioned the authenticity of Mercedes’ complaints in Baku, arguing that the Silver Arrows were trying to impose a change in regulations to help them narrow the gap with their rivals after an extremely disappointing start. the campaign.
Mercedes failed to compete with the pace of Red Bull and Ferrari, as the guinea pig and jumping repeatedly hampered the eight-time reigning champions.
“No short-term aid for Hamilton”
Craig Slater of Sky Sports News explained that short-term changes to the rules are unlikely to improve Mercedes’ performance.
Hamilton has failed to finish on the podium since the start of the season and is now 88 points behind world championship leader Max Verstappen.
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Hamilton says he prayed for Azerbaijan’s GP to end because of the level of pain he is experiencing
Hamilton says he prayed for Azerbaijan’s GP to end because of the level of pain he is experiencing
“I don’t think that helps Lewis Hamilton at all in the short term,” Slater said.
“What they say is you shouldn’t let your car vibrate like that.
“Teams that do not have a problem with it will not have to make any changes. Teams like Mercedes, whose car bounces up and down, will effectively have to raise the height of the car, which will stop the jump and also slow down the car.
“So in the short term, that doesn’t really seem to help Louis Hamilton or Mercedes at all.
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