Ricciardo complains about visibility in new cars: 'It all gets in the way'

F1 News

23 February 2022 at 20:54
Last update 23 February 2022 at 22:48
  • GPblog.com

The new 2022 cars look great, but several Formula 1 drivers have expressed concerns about visibility in the cars. Daniel Ricciardo also gets involved in the conversation and confirms that visibility has indeed decreased.

Lando Norris, Alexander Albon and Nicholas Latifi, among others, previously expressed concern about poor visibility in the new cars. It depends on the corner, but it can certainly cause difficulties.

During the winter test in Barcelona, Speedweek.com asks for Ricciardo's opinion on the situation. The Australian did not yet return to action on Wednesday in Barcelona, but he already got the chance to drive the MCL36 during the shakedown. He agrees with the statements of the other drivers. "The visibility has become less. The bigger wheel, the tires, they all get in the way. I think it's generally underestimated by the fans. It's so hard to get people to see how little we really see."

Drivers will get used to the visibility

Last year F1 introduced the so-called helmet cams during race sessions, giving fans insight into the drivers' view in their cars. Ricciardo does expect to get used to the new view. "But we need new reference points", he says. Yet poor visibility is not new, as it is already less in an F1 car anyway. Because the cars look different because of the new regulations, the drivers will have to get used to it. "I think after a few race weekends we will have forgotten how bad the visibility is", the McLaren driver ends.