After Max Verstappen said his “back is falling apart” because of the physical strain from current-generation F1 cars, the governing body FIA admitted the discomfort had not been foreseen under the existing regulations.
FIA’s single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged that the combination of very low ride height and stiff suspension makes the cars hard on drivers’ bodies — something they now recognise as a serious issue.
FIA believes that from 2026 onward the cars will run with slightly higher ride heights and softer suspensions, which should ease the stress on drivers — though they admit they can’t guarantee all problems will disappear.
Some drivers — including Fernando Alonso and others — have also expressed their discomfort and said they won’t miss the current generation of cars.