The FIA is set to sit down with F1 teams to discuss how they can modify their brake duct designs to avoid the ingestion of carbon dust by drivers, a concern brought to the fore by Sebastian Vettel after the Austrian Grand Prix.
Vettel appeared in the media pen after finishing a lowly P17 at the Red Bull Ring with traces of carbon dust on his face.
On F1's new-spec cars, the residue and powder produced by the front brakes are now blown directly towards the rear, towards the cockpit, rather than through the wheels as was the case in the past and last year.
Vettel says drivers are likely ingesting the carbon particles, which may constitute a health hazard. The Aston Martin driver said the issue was certainly worth investigating by the FIA.
"To be honest with you, that is something they need to work on because the design of the brake ducts this year, with the front axle, it is blowing all the brake dust into our faces and it is not good,” he told Sky Sports F1.
"Breathing in carbon dust is something that is not really that healthy to breathe in. I hope the FIA looks into this very soon because it is pointless and something that is easy to change."
According to Motorsport.com, the FIA has taken note of Vettel's comments and has put the topic on the agenda of an upcoming Sporting Advisory Committee meeting where teams will discuss the problem and how it can be dealt with.
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