Leclerc backs "sensitive" Sainz over key issue

Leclerc and Sainz in Bahrain — Photo: © LAT Images

Spanish Grand Prix

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Leclerc backs "sensitive" Sainz over key issue

Sainz believes F1 should consider the potential long-term health risks of porpoising

Sam Hall

Wednesday 25 May 2022 10:35

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Charles Leclerc has backed team-mate Carlos Sainz's suggestion that F1 should consider the long-term effect on drivers' health from porpoising.

Through a focus on ground-effect technology, the latest generation of F1 machinery has seen a return of porpoising, with some teams suffering from the phenomenon more than others.

Ahead of the Barcelona weekend, Sainz suggested F1 should consider the effect this has on drivers' health after George Russell revealed chest pains in the early stage of the season.

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Despite teams introducing upgrades in Spain that led to a reduction of porpoising, the issue can still be initiated with set-up problems or wind and track conditions.

"I think it depends on drivers, because Carlos seems to be a bit more sensitive to it, compared to me, where I don't struggle as much – but I definitely agree with him, that it should be something that shouldn't happen with those cars," explained Leclerc.

"We got better with it but there are some teams that are still struggling with it much more than we do, but for them, I cannot speak.

"Looking at onboards, some cars look much worse than others. We were definitely on the bad side at the beginning of the year.

"We got better, but still, it's definitely something that we should look at."

F1 shouldn't have to deal with porpoising

One team that has suffered less than most with porpoising is Haas.

The team did not take upgrades to Spain and instead focused on maximising the potential of its current package before bringing developments later in the season.

Although agreeing with the Ferrari drivers, Mick Schumacher said: "Personally, I don't have a problem with it but also, I think that we as a sport shouldn't have to deal with that issue.

"I think the car should be well-engineered to not have that problem. And I'm sure that for the future, we won't have it.

"Just because now we know that it kind of created it. I'm pretty sure we'll fix it."