Oscar Piastri has called on the FIA to ensure that the current Formula 1 cars remain safe to drive.
His comments come after Carlos Sainz pulled out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend after being diagnosed with appendicitis.
The Spaniard was the second F1 driver in the last two years to have the condition after Alexander Albon was ruled out of the 2022 Italian Grand Prix.
While no correlation has been verified between the current cars and the impact they have on a driver’s body, Albon insisted that he wanted to speak to a doctor over the matter to see if there is a link.
The current cars are run as low to the ground as possible to generate peak downforce and are also set up extremely stiffly, resulting in bouncing and a generally uncomfortable experience behind the wheel.
“I didn’t have that much experience in the older generation of car,” Piastri told media including RacingNews365, when asked if the bouncing is something to consider for the 2026 regulations.
“But it definitely was more comfortable to drive, just a bit more forgiving. I think honestly, compared to say the Formula 2 car, it’s quite similar.”
‘Drivers won’t sacrifice lap times’
While he acknowledged that the ride inside the cockpit has improved, Piastri insisted that the drivers will not sacrifice lap time even if the cars pose a risk to their health.
“I drove the 2022 car earlier in the year and we’ve definitely made steps forward in terms of overseeing and improving comfort and stuff like that.
“So it’s not as bad as what it was when these regulations first came in. But it’s not quite as comfortable as what the old cars were.
“I think it is a point that is valid for us. At the end of the day, we’re going to drive the car however is quickest.
“You’re never gonna give up lap time for having an achy body after the race.
“You need rules to stop that from us because we’re so competitive that we’re just going to get the ultimate lap time out of it no matter what it takes.
“We’ve done a good job addressing it but it is something we need to keep an eye on in the future.”
