Russell says Portimao is spectacular, but does not understand choice for turn 1

The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix is something many drivers are looking forward to. Not in the least because of the spectacular circuit of the Algarve, near Portimao. Of all the modern racetracks in Europe, this is perhaps the one with the most unique character.

“I’m really excited. It’s a spectacular circuit, very undulating, a lot of blind corners, which is great, and adds a lot of character,” he told Autosport.com. "Obviously I need to wait and see once I’ve driven it in a current car, and how it will all pan out."

However, there is one thing that worries him and that is turn 1. That is a pretty fast right turn and in a Formula 3 race in 2015, no one there complied with the track limits. Russell is therefore arguing in favour of using the alternative hairpin in turn 1. According to him, that would also be better for overtaking.

“So I’m actually surprised we haven’t done that loop, because for racing it would be better having a slower speed corner at the end of a long straight," says Russell who shares these concerns with Michael Masi. The FIA race director thinks there are other corners where drivers have trouble staying within the lines.