
Sainz believes that F1 should take measures to avoid DRS incidents similar to the one involving Doohan.
"We also need to enhance safety measures."
New Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Carlos Sainz is advocating for modifications to the DRS systems in Formula 1 to prioritize safety. Alpine's Jack Doohan has admitted to intentionally keeping his DRS rear-wing flap fully open while going full speed at 300kph into turn 1 at Suzuka during practice, which led to a significant crash. "Honestly, after that experience, I just want to put it behind me and move forward," stated the injured rookie from Australia.
However, according to Sainz, the functioning of DRS in Formula 1 should not permit drivers to leave the flap open in dangerous corners. "In any previous era of Formula 1, Jack would have been unable to return to the track the following day after such an incident," the Spaniard remarked. "If we are going to produce cars that are as fast as they currently are, we must also enhance safety. Because what Jack did could easily happen in Shanghai at turn 1 or turn 9 in Australia.
"We have too many corners where drivers need to manually close the DRS. Hopefully, this incident highlights the necessity for a system that automatically deactivates DRS 50 or 100 meters before the braking zone to prevent driver errors," Sainz continued.
On another note, Sainz openly acknowledges that he is still adjusting to his new car, having been replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton. "I’m still driving the car in a way that aligns with a Williams rather than how I wish to drive a Formula 1 car," the 30-year-old stated. Team principal James Vowles mentioned, "We have come to understand that Carlos has a very particular driving style from Ferrari.
"I can assure you that there is no difference between the cars of the two Williams drivers," he asserted. "And I doubt that Carlos will require more than five races to fully adapt to our vehicle."
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Sainz believes that F1 should take measures to avoid DRS incidents similar to the one involving Doohan.
Formula 1 | Carlos Sainz, the newly appointed director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, is advocating for modifications to the DRS systems in Formula 1 for safety reasons. (…)