Autobayng News Team
George Russell has been one of the staunchest defenders of Formula 1’s new regulations, but even he believes there are clear areas for improvement.
The Australian Grand Prix winner is concerned about the stability of the cars in the Straight Mode zones where drivers are allowed to use their adjustable front and rear wings.
Five such zones were configured for last weekend’s race at Albert Park in Melbourne. Some of them took cars through areas of the track which were not straight, such as the curving run from turn seven to turn nine.
The sharp reduction in downforce as cars entered these parts of the track is a cause for concern among some drivers, including Russell. The problem was particularly acute for those running near the rear of the field at the start of the race, due to the turbulence caused by cars ahead.
The behaviour of the cars’ wings is governed by the rule book. Russell said he would like to see a change made on safety grounds.
“Having experienced the race today and battling, the only thing I would request from the FIA is that with the Straight Mode, the front wing doesn’t drop as aggressively,” said Russell, who is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.
“When we open Straight Mode we will have lots of understeer, and when I was behind Charles [Leclerc] and I was trying to duck out of his slipstream it was like my front wing wasn’t working. So I think from a safety aspect, that would make the racing safer, better. I don’t see a downside of doing it.
Some drivers expressed concerns about the fourth Straight Mode zone, from turn seven to nine, after Friday practice in Melbourne. The FIA initially announced prior to final practice it would be deactivated, but reversed the decision following complaints from other teams.
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Published by
Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 – when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring journalist, Keith began running the site full-time in 2010, achieving a long-held ambition to dedicate his full attention to his passion for motor racing. View all posts by Keith Collantine
