Weighty Concern: Heavier drivers could be penalised in F1 shake-up
ADRIAN SUTIL has revealed that he is battling the pounds ahead of the new F1 season – where rule changes could penalise taller and heavier drivers.
This year’s change to more environmentally friendly V6 engines throw an emphasies on teams to meet minimum weight requirements – and that goes for the drivers too.
Sauber driver Sutil, whose team launched their 2014 car yesterday, is just over 6ft tall and said: “Training is going on as usual but with more focus on losing weight.
“I’m a tall driver and I was always on the limit with the weight. But now I have to reduce the last few kilos. I’m on it already. I didn’t eat too much over Christmas and New Year.”
However, Sutil, who joins Sauber after a year with Force India, does not believe the changes are all doom and gloom and says all drivers start the new campaign on a level playing field.
He said: “You need time to adapt yourself, but this year it’s completely new for everyone. Everyone is at the same point right now.”