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“Not in the Best Shape”: Lewis Hamilton Makes Painful Revelation Surrounding Mercedes F1 Porpoising

Published 06/19/2022, 12:15 PM EDT

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via Reuters

Ahead of the Canadian GP, the porpoising issue grabbed the attention of drivers and fans alike. Several drivers have complained about the bouncing effect, but Lewis Hamilton in particular has been struggling physically because of it.

In the Azerbaijan GP, the Brit held his back as he struggled to walk after a grueling 51-lap race in Baku. As a result, there were doubts about his availability for this week’s Canadian GP. Although he is racing this week, the seven-time world champion revealed the efforts he is taking to reduce the pain.

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Speaking to the Times, he said, “In terms of micro-concussions, I have definitely been having a lot more headaches in the past couple of months. But I have not seen a specialist about it so I have not taken it too seriously. I have just taken painkillers.”

With the issue of porpoising still dominating the headlines, many drivers voiced their opinion about how this could affect their safety. So, the FIA has taken immediate action, giving priority to the driver’s safety. However, this is only a short-term fix. The FIA are working with the teams to eliminate the bouncing altogether in the future.

WATCH THIS STORY: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive

Like Baku, Canada is also a track with long straights where the bouncing effect could be at a maximum level. So, it will be interesting to see how teams like Mercedes adapt.

Hamilton is slowly recovering, but he is still not fully fit ahead of the Canadian GP. “I can definitely feel that I am a little bit shorter this week and my discs are definitely not in the best shape right now and that is not good for longevity,” he added.

Max Verstappen does not agree with Lewis Hamilton and the FIA’s decision

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While Mercedes is struggling to find a balance between performance and driver comfort, Red Bull has experienced little to no porpoising. As a result, the reigning champion Max Verstappen does not agree with FIA’s decision.

via Reuters

“For me, regardless if it’s going to help us or work against us, I think always these rule changes in the middle of the year, I don’t think it’s correct,” Verstappen stated. “But, I don’t think it’s correct that now they have to intervene and start applying these kind of rules…”

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“The Rules Change Because of Them”: Max Verstappen Shakes Head at Latest FIA Reform Amid Mercedes F1 Complaints

The decision is still an ongoing debate among the teams and fans alike. With that in mind, do you agree with Verstappen or with the FIA’s decision? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Rahul Madhavan

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Rahul Madhavan is a Formula 1 writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his Bachelor's degree in business administration, he is pursuing his love for sports in the form of writing. Rahul is an avid McLaren fan, who also enjoys writing about soccer.
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Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh