2023-06-18 17:07:42
The FIA (International Automobile Federation) has changed the length of the barrier surrounding Turn 1 run-off area at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit ahead of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, following widespread complaints from Formula 1 drivers. This barrier has been extended from this year to prevent drivers who overshoot Turn 1 from rejoining the track beyond Turn 2.
In practice and qualifying, drivers who ran off the track on the entry to Turn 1 had to run along the wall, over grass and curbs before making a sharp right turn to enter the track. Friday night’s drivers’ briefing brought up the topic of barriers at Turn 1, with some drivers expressing their dissatisfaction. The barrier remained in place on Saturday, but was shortened by some four meters for Sunday’s race, making it easier for drivers to rejoin the track beyond Turn 2. “Following discussions with the drivers, we have decided to make changes to make it easier to rejoin. We are further improving this solution for future events,” said an FIA spokesperson. GPDA director George Russell wonders why the drivers were not consulted beforehand by the governing body. “We all talked regarding it last night,” Russell said. “In retrospect, maybe we should have been consulted on this matter before any decision was made, and we all agree that it’s not optimal.” Williams’ Alex Albon echoed Russell’s view, questioning why the change was made in the first place. “In a way, it’s one of those things that makes you scratch your head and try to figure out why,” said Alex Albon. “I went off the track on Friday and I’ve been exploring quite a bit of the track over the last two days! In fact, I think the corners were well designed before the change, even though I went off-road. “I think with the help of the drivers this situation might have been avoided and this is something that the GPDA has been discussing with them quite a bit.”
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