Source: motorsport.com
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas says black brake dust sneezes Formula 1 drivers experience after races is as big an issue for them as the Singapore haze.
Poor air conditions in Singapore this week caused by Indonesian forest fires have prompted race organizers to be on alert for the need to take action, which could include the distribution of smog masks to spectators if pollution levels increase too much.
But despite potential health concerns for racegoers, F1 drivers have played down any worries they have about the matter – suggesting that their post-race experience of finding black carbon brake dust in their noses puts this weekend’s air concerns into context.
Bottas said: “I’m not too concerned really. I think if I lived here, I would spend a lot of time inside.
“I think anyway, when we are racing, we are breathing quite a bit of carbon brake dust so not sure it is going to make a massive difference.”
Asked if he felt the carbon brake dust matter was something that needed intervention, Bottas added, “I don’t know if there is anything that can be done.
“For sure there is some dust from your own brakes but that is minimal. It is the cars ahead; it is always going to be there.
“Any time after the race when you sneeze it is black, so year after year, I am not sure what it does to your body. No idea. I think no one ever looked into it. I would rather be breathing clean air but not sure what can be done.”
Teammate Lewis Hamilton was equally aware of the brake dust matter, as he said the only difference for Singapore was being advised not to run outside.
“We all have doctors on hand,” he explained. “It’s not been brought up as an issue for us, but I am conscious of it.
