P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 evaluating changes to Melbourne Turn 6 amid driver concerns
The FIA is conducting a review after an incident in which Fernando Alonso deliberately caused George Russell to crash at Turn 6 of Albert Park during the Melbourne race, resulting in a penalty for Alonso that divided opinions among F1 drivers at the Japanese event. Discussions are underway to make changes to the corner ahead of F1’s return to Albert Park next year, following safety concerns highlighted by previous crashes, including one involving Alexander Albon in 2023. The possibility of altering the corner to reduce speeds, adding an asphalt runoff area, or adjusting barriers to prevent cars from bouncing back onto the track post-crash are being considered. Some drivers, like McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, have raised the issue of safety at Turn 6, advocating for improvements to prevent cars from re-entering the track after an incident. While Russell praised the corner’s challenge, he acknowledged the need for safety measures to prevent cars from dangerously returning to the track after an accident, a sentiment echoed by many drivers at the F1 event in Japan.
