- George Russell crashed out in 2024 race
- His Mercedes flipped, finished on its side
- Track has been altered to avoid similar outcomes
The world’s best F1 drivers – and fans – can expect some significant changes to the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne this weekend, including major work to Turns 6 and 7.
It follows George Russell and Alex Albon suffering huge crashes almost 12 months ago in confronting scenes.
Russell’s Mercedes flipped violently before coming to a halt on its side while Albon’s Williams slid into the middle of the track following a huge shunt against the wall.
As a result, measures have been put in place in a bid to avoid a similar outcome.
The first change has seen the barrier moved and angled slightly differently to stop a car bouncing back into the track.
Sections of the kerbing have also been slightly flattened to reduce the risk of potential instability caused by the bumps.
F1 drivers can expect some major changes to the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne this weekend, including alterations to Turns 6 and 7 (pictured, Mercedes star George Russell)
Russell’s Mercedes flipped violently before coming to a halt on its side (pictured, the moment of the impact last year)
George Russell gets out of his car following the incident almost 12 months ago (pictured)
Alex Albon’s Williams slid into the middle of the Albert Park track following a huge shunt against the wall in the 2024 race
Additionally, further adjustments have been made to the gravel traps by bringing them closer to the kerbs.
Russell said it was a positive move following his terrifying 2024 crash.
‘Yeah, I know there’s been changes to the circuit through that corner,’ he told reporters.
‘There’s been a few big crashes there…I’m fortunate I didn’t get collected.
‘Afterwards I think the duty lies on the FIA, to be honest. ‘In this regard, I think the people around the circuit have done everything they can to make that corner slightly better.’
An FIA spokesperson confirmed the changes were implemented after taking on board proposed changes from the FIA Safety Department.
Meanwhile, fellow British star Oliver Bearman crashed out of the first free practice session on Friday.
The Haas driver was cleared by the medical staff at the track, but his VF-25 suffered extensive damage.
It is understood Bearman took too much kerb and ran wide at Turns 9 and 10, running his car onto the gravel.
This caused it to oversteer and snap on its return to the track before slamming into the wall.
