F1 drivers make GPDA appeal after 'insane' development in karting

17:18, 19 Aug
Updated: 18:36, 19 Aug
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The twenty drivers in Formula 1 make a strong joint appeal to the karting industry, promoters, kart race organizers and the FIA, as well as other involved entities to stop a ‘dangerous’ and 'wrong' development in karting. Alexander Wurz, the GPDA chairman, discloses and explains concerns the GPDA members have in relation to karting and worrying technical developments.

The twenty F1 drivers are gathered in the GPDA. This organisation represents the interests of the drivers and works for their safety and wellbeing, both on and off the track. They do this not only for themselves but also for other levels of motorsport, and now karting.

These are the concerns of the F1 drivers

The drivers have learned that karting - usually the breeding ground for F1 drivers - is increasingly allowing aerodynamic parts on the karts. The aim is, of course, to be able to go around quicker than the competition, but the F1 drivers mainly see disadvantages.

"They come up with floors, and with different kinds of wings and downforce settings," Wurz explains during an exclusive interview with GPblog.

wurz
Alexander Wurz

"We all said, this is absolutely insane, because karting is so cool, and all of it will just make it more expensive and perhaps more dangerous. We see no benefits to the sport, only downsides. Everyone will want to buy those downforce parts, but its not for the better of sport or drivers."

All F1 drivers call for action

According to Wurz, with all the F1 drivers behind him, modified karts in the rain cause spraying - similar to formula cars. "Not to that full extent, but then it's against safety, hurts visibility, and simply makes it more dangerous. We think someone has to stand in and say something."

"We are looking out for the kids in karting, and we are concerned. We think it's in the wrong direction and it should be stopped. I know the manufacturers want to make technical progress, and also need to look after their business and make some money, but the promoters and parents should say: ‘No, don't do that’."

"It is against safety and it's against budget, and it's against overtaking. So why are we doing it? If it is for the commercial benefits for the manufacturers we have to say no, sorry, don't get me wrong, kart manufacturers need to make business, do they can keep supporting the first platform of racing, but this seems to be a wrong direction", Wurz shares on behalf of the F1 drivers.

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