George Russell won the Australian Grand Prix by keeping teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc behind him, among others. Despite his victory, the Mercedes driver saw a safety issue with his front wing. “It felt quite risky at times,” said the Briton, who hopes the FIA can do something about the problem soon.
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George Russell is asking the FIA to make changes to the so-called Straight Mode. During the race in Melbourne, he felt that his front wing was not working properly. He noticed this especially during his battle with Charles Leclerc in the opening phase of the race. “When we engage Straight Mode, we get understeer. When I was behind Charles and tried to pull out of his slipstream, it felt like my front wing wasn’t working at all,” Russell told the media in the paddock.
‘Safer and better’
According to Russell, the front wing drops off abruptly when there is little downforce present. “The only thing I would like to ask the FIA is that in Straight Mode the front wing drops off less aggressively,” said the Briton. Russell had this criticism immediately after stepping out of the new car. “I’m sure we still have some improvements to make, because it felt quite risky at times.” The Mercedes driver emphasizes above all that this mode should be looked at from a safety perspective. “It makes racing safer and better. I don’t really see a downside to doing it this way.”
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On Saturday morning, the FIA decided to scrap Straight Mode Zone 4 following feedback from the drivers. However, that decision was quickly reversed after teams protested. Such a late adjustment would have created extra work ahead of the third free practice session.
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