Russell highlights safety concern the FIA needs to address immediately

Photo: Race Pictures

F1 News

11:01, 11 Mar

Updated: 12:03, 11 Mar

2 Comments

byKada Sarkozi

George Russell recommended a rule change already for the Chinese Grand Prix.

"The only thing I would request from the FIA is that with the Straight Mode, the front wing doesn’t drop as aggressively."

- George Russell

The British driver won the season-opening round of the season at the Australian Grand Prix, taking all 25 points. In the end, Mercedes won by a considerable margin, but in the opening phase, Russell had a hard-fought battle with Charles Leclerc.

Looking ahead, Russell would like to see a change already implemented for the Chinese Grand Prix.

After the race, he explained: "I think having experienced the race and battling, the only thing I would request from the FIA is that with the Straight Mode, the front wing doesn’t drop as aggressively.

"When we open Straight Mode we will have lots of understeer, and when I was behind Charles and I was trying to duck out of his slipstream it was like my front wing wasn’t working.

"So I think from a safety aspect that would make the racing safer, better. I don’t see a downside of doing it."

Photo: Race Pictures

Russell questions Norris' 'selfish' approach

Russell also argued that Lando Norris' opinion would be different on the 2026 F1 cars if McLaren had the same advantage as last year. The defending world champion was heavily critical after the Australian GP, where he finished in fifth place.