Problems with the new generation of F1 cars? 'My back is bothering me'
General
- Cas van de Kleut
Since 2022, Formula 1 has been racing a new generation of cars. The new cars were supposed to ensure that the field would be closer together. Yet Red Bull Racing has managed to build a dominant car. According to Norris, that is not the only problem with the new cars.
Speaking to Speedcafe.com, the Briton said: "I’ve struggled a lot with my back. I’ve had to make quite a few seats and do a lot more training just to try and strengthen my back, my lower back."
Problems with the new F1 cars
In the first season, the cars suffered a lot from porpoising: the bouncing up and down of the rear of the car. This caused unusual scenes. During last season's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton visibly hurt his back. Since then, the problems with porpoising have been (virtually) resolved, but drivers are thus still experiencing problems with the heavy cars.
Norris says he has to stretch more to be in less pain, and that he waves a lot less than before because otherwise his back will bother him: "I wouldn’t say no, if we could have softer cars or something that makes it a bit more like it was in ’19, ’20, ‘21."