Russell fears qualifying trouble Monza: 'There is going to be a crash'

The FIA have taken measures to avoid the situation during last year's qualifying session at Monza in 2020. However, George Russell is not reassured and expects crashes to happen: 'It will be a nightmare'.

At the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, the so-called tow, the slipstream, is so strong that every driver wants one in his fastest lap. In 2019 this resulted in a blockage before the starting line on the straight. As a result, only Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were able to start their fast lap in time for the chequered flag in Q3.

To avoid this situation this weekend, the FIA has set a mandatory minimum time that the drivers have to drive in the Saturday afternoon session. Williams-talent Russell doesn't see any point in it, for the time being.

Formula1.nl quotes the Brit: "It's going to be a nightmare. I don't know if the FIA can really do anything about it but it is going to be quite ridiculous and quite dangerous. Behind you are cars that want to overtake, in front of you are cars that drive slowly to be overtaken, so in the meantime, you look in the mirrors to see where everyone is".

Russell doesn't predict much good: "There is definitely going to be a crash, but as I said, 'I don't know what they can do about it'. I'm sure we'll talk about it at the briefing. Just some common sense will be required."