F1: Australian GP track tweaked after heavy 2024 crashes

The FIA and native organisers have made security modifications to Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit following heavy crashes in final yr’s Australian Grand Prix.

Within the 2024 race, Russell was caught out by Fernando Alonso braking sooner than anticipated for Flip 6, resulting in the Mercedes automotive going off and struggling a heavy crash earlier than his automotive was spat again onto the racing floor.

Turns 6 and seven, which had been re-profiled and made quicker, had already been a priority for the drivers earlier than Russell’s crash, with Williams’ Alex Albon additionally struggling a giant shunt in first free apply.

Among the many choices thought-about to make the nook safer embody a re-profiling to cut back nook speeds as soon as once more, including an asphalt run-off space as an alternative of a gravel lure, or adjusting the limitations behind the nook to try to forestall automobiles from bouncing again in the direction of the racing line within the occasion of one other crash.

The FIA has now determined to take the latter route, with the barrier on the drivers’ left having been moved and positioned at a distinct angle to cut back the danger of automobiles bouncing again onto the monitor.

The governing physique has additionally mandated modifications to the kerbs of Turns 6 and seven, shifting in the direction of a single specification of a so-called adverse kerb, a kerb which falls away to sit down decrease than the monitor floor, slightly than a raised, constructive kerb that automobiles climb onto, risking them changing into unsettled and unstable.

The present gravel lure has additionally been prolonged to the sting of the kerbs.

“Following a assessment of final yr’s occasion at Albert Park, a number of modifications to Flip 6 and Flip 7 have been permitted in collaboration with the native ASN and the grand prix organisers,” an FIA spokesperson confirmed.

“The kerb on the exit of Flip 6 by entry and apex of Flip 7 has been changed with a single specification of adverse kerb.

“This adjustment removes the transition from adverse to constructive kerb that was current on this space, which beforehand had been addressed by native modification (grinding) of the kerb to supply a smoother transition between kerb sorts. The intent is to take away the potential of this transition destabilising a automotive.

“Moreover, the gravel lure now extends to the again of the kerb and the barrier on the left-hand facet of Flip 7 has additionally been moved and re-profiled to mitigate the potential of a automotive coming to relaxation ready close to the racing line following an influence with the vitality absorbing barrier on this space.

“These modifications had been proposed based mostly on suggestions from the FIA Security Division following their ongoing evaluation of all circuits, in addition to enter from drivers and groups. They goal to supply enchancment in security while sustaining nook dynamics and thrilling racing.”

The modifications are prone to be effectively obtained by the drivers, who had already been urging the FIA to make modifications finally yr’s drivers’ briefing.

“The nook [itself] is wonderful, in all probability among the best corners on that circuit, so I would not wish to see that nook modified,” Russell stated after his crash. “However all circuits which have the limitations in sure positions, if it will propel you again onto the circuit, that is clearly not good.

“We do not wish to have large runoffs. Simply the place of that wall, even when it is nearer to the monitor however in step with the circuit, at the least you would not bounce off onto the racing line.”

The usage of a single, steady sort of adverse kerb can also be one thing Albon had already advocated after his apply smash, explaining the transition to a better kerb had contributed to him shedding management as his Williams bottomed out.

“It is sort of a double-stepped kerb on the exit and particularly as we’ve got these low automobiles now, we are able to use the primary little bit of kerb, however should you go too far throughout and also you hit the second sort of ramp part, it forces the automotive into the air,” he stated.