P1racenews AI automatic summary:
An 11th-hour change to the Albert Park Circuit has been immediately reversed by the FIA ahead of final practice for the F1 Australian GP.
The FIA reversed an 11th-hour change to the Albert Park Circuit just before final practice for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix after concerns were raised in a drivers’ briefing in Melbourne on Friday evening.
The decision to remove the ‘Straight Mode’ zone between Turns 8 and 9 due to safety risks was initially made, but following feedback from teams and drivers, the zone was reinstated for FP3.
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, explained that drivers felt the downforce levels were too low, risking control of the car during close battles on the high-speed section of the circuit.
Despite the quick backtrack, further evaluation of the situation was planned during and after FP3 to ensure safety was maintained for the drivers.
The unexpected U-turn was believed to be influenced by a strong reaction from the majority of teams and drivers who preferred to have the Straight Mode zone active for the session.
