The physical demand of a Formula 1 is brutal, but all drivers want to go one step further, regardless of the consequences. This is what happened during the last 2022 French Grand Prix, in which several admitted not using the hydration system during the hot race at Paul Ricard, enduring extreme temperatures inside the cockpit.
One of those who suffered the most on the physical plane was Carlos Sainz, who in addition to having to come back from the bottom of the grid due to a penalty for changing elements of his power unit, acknowledged that he was not equipped with the allowed drink to hydrate. Not using this system is equivalent to lightening some weight in the car, so you will always get a few hundredths for each lap, since everything counts when it comes to going faster than the rival.
After crossing the finish line in fifth position, the man from Madrid was satisfied with his performance and, although he was close to achieving the podium, he was left at the gates of the fight with George Russell and Sergio Pérez.
“I have not drunk during the race,” said Sainz. “The car is overweight and I have decided not to drink for the whole time, I didn’t sweat much so I preferred to go a tenth faster rather than hydrate.”
“Of course it was hot,” he told FormulaPassion . “It was difficult to overtake on the hard tyres, but I was able to make it to the podium on the mediums.”
The Spaniard from Ferrari was not the only one who suffered with the hydration system, and in the ceremony prior to uncorking the champagne, an exhausted Lewis Hamilton could be seen, who even lay down in the room before leaving in front of all the fans , although it was a breakdown which left the Englishman without drinking.
In the interviews after the French event for the drivers on the podium, the seven-time champion said: “I haven’t seen what my weight was, but I imagine that [I have lost] about three kilos. So, yes, it is quite a lot. I am looking forward to drinking the rest of this drink [the one in his hand]”.
In addition to him, his compatriot, Lando Norris, indicated that he had not drunk in the gala test and, although he explained that it was for health reasons, it is certain that he saved some time per turn.
“It’s hard, and even physically, I still don’t use a bottle of water, it makes me feel too sick,” said the Briton. “So I can’t use it. I can’t drink too many fluids when I’m driving, because I throw it up, so that’s why I avoid it.”
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