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F1 star reveals how abandoned concept harmed drivers’ health
Alpine F1 star Pierre Gasly has addressed the health issues caused by the recent ground effect era in F1, emphasizing the strain it put on drivers’ backs during races.
The ground effect era, spanning from 2022 to 2025, saw Max Verstappen clinch three out of four drivers’ championships, with Red Bull and McLaren emerging as dominant teams while Ferrari, Mercedes, and Alpine faced challenges.
Gasly welcomes the upcoming changes in regulations set to unfold next season, particularly in car design and power units, which signifies a shift away from the physically demanding ground effect cars.
One major problem faced during the era was porpoising, notably severe in 2022, as cars exhibited excessive bouncing on straights, leading to discomfort and stress for drivers like Lewis Hamilton, as observed in the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Gasly and his peers acknowledge the toll the ground effect cars took on their bodies, expressing relief that the sport is moving away from this demanding setup.
The new F1 cars are expected to address these issues as they will not run as low to the ground, with aerodynamic changes aimed at enhancing racing excitement while reducing porpoising, encapsulating a new era of innovation and competitiveness in Formula 1.
