It may not seem like it from the outside looking in, but Formula 1 is an extremely physically demanding sport. Every driver must be in peak physical condition to withstand the extreme G forces they experience during every race. Every driver needs a specific body type as well, so they don’t lose a lot of time. This micromanagement of one’s body is an arduous task as the F1 machinery pushes the limits of speed and a human being often leaves them hurt. Lewis Hamilton experienced that in one of the worst races of his life in 2022. Lando Norris recently recalled Hamilton’s pain while discussing his personal struggles.

F1 drivers get a very limited window where they can cater to their personal life. If a major physical injury befalls a driver which needs a procedure followed by months of rehab, it can put a dent in their career. This is probably why, as reported by Autosport and revealed on Twitter, Norris struggled for a year with a back injury. The same painful scenario that Hamilton faced during the 2022 season thanks to the porpoising of the W13, especially in Baku.

“I’ve struggled a lot with my back [since 2022]. I’ve had to make a quite a few seats and do a lot more training just to try and strengthen my back,” said Norris.

“A number of people have spoken up about it and said it. I know everyone’s different, some people don’t, some people do but I guess for my own health and everything it’s something I need to look after,” added Norris. The bouncing brought out by the 2022 regulations was a problem for almost every team except one. This could be the reason behind Norris’s back pain same as Hamilton’s. In fact, Hamilton’s back pain was so severe he became a doubt for the next race in Canada.

Read More: What went wrong with Lewis Hamilton in Baku?

Yet, Hamilton pushed through just like his McLaren compatriot has been doing for the past year. However, looking back, the Mercedes man can only recall the painful race in Baku from his forgettable 2022 season.

Lewis Hamilton recalls the most painful race of his life while revisiting the 2022 season

Porpoising was the biggest issue in the first half of the 2022 season for Hamilton and Co. Despite their best efforts, Mercedes could not around the bounce of the W13, at least not in time for the Azerbaijan GP. The longest straight on the calendar and on a street track brought out the worst of the W13’s porpoising and Hamilton felt it as we saw him walk out of the car holding his back.

While revisiting the 2022 season, Hamilton recalled how the Baku race was one of the most painful races of his life.

Hamilton revealed, “I don’t actually remember a lot of these photos. The one I remember is this one (him holding his back). This one is the one I remember the most just because of the pain I was in. That weekend I went lower than you (George Russell) on the rear. Ride height was much lower. It was much worse on my car. But painful for both of us I think.”

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The Brit can put it under a learning curve of his career. However, no one should bounce the amount the drives did in Baku while touching the speeds one does on the straight.