Carlos Sainz believes drivers will feel the effects of the extended shutdown but not to the extent that it may lead to crashes. The Spaniard disagreed with Daniel Ricciardo’s theory of drivers being very rusty when the season eventually begins. For those unaware, Daniel Ricciardo recently said the first race of the season would be “chaos”.

Carlos Sainz does not agree with Daniel Ricciardo

These are unprecedented times for F1 drivers. Due to Coronavirus, the sport has canceled or postponed nearly half the season. As a result, drivers haven’t raced in well over 6 months. Without any form of racing and having not driven an F1 car for over 3 months, would drivers struggle when the season resumes?

Daniel Ricciardo believes that will be the case, but he’s not alone. Even the reigning World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, voiced his concerns over the long period of no racing.

“Some form of chaos, hopefully in a controlled manner,”

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“You are going to get some guys who perform on that level of adrenalin and others who might not. So you’re going to get some bold overtakes, some miscalculated ones. You’re going to see a bit of everything, I’m sure” said Ricciardo, speaking to BBC 5 Live.

“I am not really referencing cars everywhere. But there is going to be so much rust, a combination of emotion, excitement, eagerness.”

One could argue that F1 drivers represent the best of the best. Especially for the experienced drivers, it’s unlikely for a little time off to throw them off their game.  Then again, adrenaline and nerves are an unpredictable combination that could result in heroics or stupidity.

Carlos Sainz believes the drivers are professional enough to prevent any unwanted accidents. Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, the Spaniard said:
“At the beginning, we will not be affected because we all have a great desire to get on track

“But then the physical and psychological fatigue will be felt. There will be more accidents due to inactivity? I don’t think what Ricciardo said will happen. It is true we have been coming for six months without driving, but we are all professional drivers. ” 

There’ s just over a month to go before F1 finally starts racing in 2020.