Bouncing has become a key topic of discussion in F1 since many drivers spoke of being affected by it during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While many have voiced their desire for solutions to be found – with Mercedes particularly vocal about the impact the problem has had, especially on Lewis Hamilton – Christian Horner has stated his belief that some teams may be encouraging their drivers to complain about the issue to encourage regulation changes. Over at Ferrari, there are some different views from within the team.
Sainz wants FIA to listen to drivers
Carlos Sainz has joined calls for the FIA to listen to the drivers' concerns about the effects of bouncing. The Spaniard says that he experienced pain from the sensation in Baku, and is doubtful that this would be sustainable in the long-term. "I suffered a lot with this," Sainz told media, including RacingNews365.com . "It was very, very painful. [There] was a bit of chaos in the car going on, but I saw others also struggling around this track. "It got to a point where, in the drivers' briefing, we all looked at each other and said, 'We need to do something'. "It's okay [for] one race, but can we do 10 more years like this? I doubt it. "We kindly asked the FIA to look into [it], to not listen to the teams too much, and to listen to us, that we're saying that it's just getting to a point where we are struggling, all of us, to handle this."
"We just need the FIA to act soon"
When asked whether the medical commission need to get involved to fully understand the impact, Sainz argued: "I don't think we need the medical commission, we just need something smarter on the suspension or in the way the cars are being run. "I'm pretty sure if you ask two or three engineers down the paddock, they will know the answer on what can be done to limit this. We just need the FIA to act as soon as possible because, if not, it's going to start accumulating." Sainz was further pressed on if there is a "danger" in the issue. "I don't know if you can call it danger," he commented. "But you can say, is it necessary for Formula 1 to have 20 drivers at the end of each race with back issues? "My personal opinion is that, with the technology that there is nowadays, why do we need to carry this painful situation into our careers, when you can put a pretty easy solution [in place]? "So it's more a matter of, is it really worth it? Is it necessary when there's supposed to be a very easy solution to put in place? "I think it's not necessary, and we should all, teams included, think about the driver."
Binotto points to "technical challenge"
Elsewhere in the Ferrari camp, Mattia Binotto is confident that the Scuderia can find a solution to the problem, without the need for intervention. "If we judge Formula 1, I don't think they are the least comfortable cars to drive, in terms of formula motorsport," Binotto explained. "And I think that it's a challenge for the drivers, no doubt. But still, I think those cars are quite comfortable to drive. It's a challenge, a technical challenge, I think we look at ourselves, we made already some progress. "I think in the future, we can do more progress. So, certainly too early to judge. I'm pretty sure we will find a solution, medium-long term. And it's a challenge, as [for] all the others. "So, I think we need to accept it. It's certainly something on which we need all to better understand, to improve, but [I'm] happy to do that." Binotto can sympathise with the struggles faced by the drivers, though. "[With] the porpoising on Carlos' [car], he is one of the drivers supporting [calls for the FIA to take action]," the team boss said. "But I think we improved the behaviour with the porpoising [through] the weekend. He had less bouncing [on Sunday] than he had on Friday. "So there is always a way to try mitigate through the set-up. "In terms of engineering, it's still a good challenge to have. It's certainly something which is affecting drivers, but it sets us a challenge, which I think is great to have."
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