Daniel Ricciardo expects drivers to physically struggle driving 2017 cars

Daniel Ricciardo says he expects drivers will pack on a little weight over the winter to cope with the increased forces produced by next year's cars, which are expected to be far quicker through the corners than the current generation and therefore hit much higher G-Forces.

With wider tyres, larger wings and a bigger diffuser, the 2017 cars are expected to break lap records with ease, but that will also present a major obstacle for the drivers – some of which won't have experienced the cornering speeds these cars will be capable of.

Ricciardo reckons some drivers will struggle physically to drive flat-out for an entire race, but that's something that excites him.

"If it’s similar to the speeds I was hitting while testing in 2009-2010 then it’s a significant step up," he said. "To cut a long story short, if we retain the leanness we have now with our body weight, we might struggle physically. I think everyone will be putting on a few kilos to cope with the forces.

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"To put numbers on it. If next year is 100 per cent of our physical strength, then this year we’ve been at 75 per cent."

The Australian, who finished runner-up to the Mercedes duo this year, is confident the regulation changes will play to Red Bull's strengths.

"Excited! But at the same time I’m not going to get too excited. I believe we will have a good package. I believe the work the team is doing is the right work – but you never know what everyone else is doing. I’m looking forward to finding out. I’m looking forward to the physical challenge too," he added.

"I honestly think it’s [the change] a good thing for us. It seems to put more emphasis on aerodynamics and I have a lot of faith in our aerodynamics department. It’s out strong suit. From that point of view I don’t think it can hurt us.

"Also, I think the cars are going to look pretty bad-ass. Mean, wider tyres, more muscular. Grrrrrr…"