AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

FIA Responds to Albert Park Safety Concerns—Turn 6-7 Overhaul After Russell’s Horror Crash

David Castro by David Castro
February 4, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
FIA Responds to Albert Park Safety Concerns—Turn 6-7 Overhaul After Russell’s Horror Crash

The 2024 Australian Grand Prix saw George Russell’s frightening crash at the Turn 6-7 complex, reigniting long-standing safety concerns at Albert Park. Russell’s wrecked Mercedes bounced back onto the racing line after hitting the barriers—an outcome that could have led to an even more catastrophic multi-car collision.

Now, the FIA has taken action, announcing critical safety modifications to the high-speed corner sequence ahead of the 2025 race.


What Happened at Albert Park?

🚀 Russell’s crash occurred after he was caught off guard by Fernando Alonso’s early braking, forcing him into the run-off area before slamming into the barriers.
🚨 His damaged car rebounded onto the track, creating a potential secondary impact risk for oncoming drivers.
⚠️ Williams’ Alex Albon also crashed at the same location during free practice, further highlighting the dangers of the newly altered Turn 6-7 layout.

Ahead of the 2024 event, track modifications widened and quickened the Turn 6-7 section, but those changes increased the likelihood of high-speed crashes.

Now, in response to driver concerns, the FIA has introduced a three-pronged safety upgrade for 2025.


FIA’s New Safety Modifications for Turn 6-7

The FIA confirmed it had reviewed the incidents at Albert Park and, in collaboration with local race organizers, has approved several key changes:

1️⃣ Barrier Re-Profiling to Prevent Track Re-Entry

  • The barrier on the left-hand side of Turn 7 has been repositioned to reduce the risk of cars bouncing back onto the racing line.
  • This prevents secondary collisions, a major concern after Russell’s crash in 2024.

2️⃣ Kerb Design Overhaul to Prevent Car Instability

  • The transition from positive to negative kerbs has been eliminated, removing the possibility of F1 cars getting unsettled when running wide.
  • The FIA noted that the previous kerb modification (grinding the surface) was only a temporary fix, and this redesign will ensure a smoother, more predictable driving experience.

3️⃣ Extended Gravel Trap for Better Run-Off Protection

  • The gravel trap now extends fully to the edge of the kerbs, preventing cars from skidding uncontrollably toward the barriers.
  • This should help reduce the severity of crashes at Turn 6-7.

FIA’s Statement on the Safety Overhaul

“Following a review of last year’s event at Albert Park, several changes to Turn 6 and Turn 7 have been approved in collaboration with the local ASN and the grand prix organizers.”

“These changes were proposed based on feedback from the FIA Safety Department following their ongoing analysis of all circuits, as well as input from drivers and teams.”

“They aim to provide improvement in safety whilst maintaining corner dynamics and exciting racing.”


Will These Changes Work?

The modifications appear well-calculated to strike a balance between safety and maintaining Albert Park’s high-speed flow.

🏁 Reprofiling the barriers will mitigate secondary impact risks.
🏎️ Flattening the kerbs will ensure greater stability for drivers exiting Turn 6.
🛑 Expanding the gravel trap provides better braking zones for out-of-control cars.

Albert Park remains one of the most technical street circuits on the F1 calendar, and these updates should ensure better driver protection without compromising the circuit’s thrilling high-speed nature.


Final Thoughts: FIA’s Proactive Response

The FIA’s decision to act swiftly following Russell’s crash is a positive step toward preventing future major accidents at Turn 6-7.

But the big question remains: Will the changes be enough to prevent similar high-speed incidents in 2025?

With driver and team input shaping the updates, there’s reason to believe Albert Park will now be safer—but only time will tell if the modifications are enough.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Zandvoort Faces Catastrophic Thunderstorm: Dutch GP Weekend in Jeopardy!
Motorsports

Zandvoort Faces Catastrophic Thunderstorm: Dutch GP Weekend in Jeopardy!

Thunderstorm Wreaks Havoc at Zandvoort: Dutch GP in Jeopardy! As the Dutch Grand Prix weekend approaches, ominous clouds have gathered...

by James Taylor
August 28, 2025
Alonso Rallies Behind Hamilton: “He Doesn’t Need to Prove Anything!” Amidst Ferrari Struggles
Motorsports

Alonso Rallies Behind Hamilton: “He Doesn’t Need to Prove Anything!” Amidst Ferrari Struggles

Formula One F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary - August 2, 2025 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso after...

by Harry Bright
August 28, 2025
George Russell Faces ‘High-Stakes’ Contract Gamble as Mercedes Deal Looms for 2026
Motorsports

George Russell Faces ‘High-Stakes’ Contract Gamble as Mercedes Deal Looms for 2026

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 24, 2025 Mercedes' George Russell...

by Harry Bright
August 28, 2025
Lando Norris’ 2025 Regrets: The Heroic Mistakes That Cost Him the Championship
Motorsports

Lando Norris’ 2025 Regrets: The Heroic Mistakes That Cost Him the Championship

Formula One F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary - July 31, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris arrives ahead...

by Arthur Ling
August 28, 2025

Recent News

Zandvoort Faces Catastrophic Thunderstorm: Dutch GP Weekend in Jeopardy!

Zandvoort Faces Catastrophic Thunderstorm: Dutch GP Weekend in Jeopardy!

August 28, 2025
Alonso Rallies Behind Hamilton: “He Doesn’t Need to Prove Anything!” Amidst Ferrari Struggles

Alonso Rallies Behind Hamilton: “He Doesn’t Need to Prove Anything!” Amidst Ferrari Struggles

August 28, 2025
George Russell Faces ‘High-Stakes’ Contract Gamble as Mercedes Deal Looms for 2026

George Russell Faces ‘High-Stakes’ Contract Gamble as Mercedes Deal Looms for 2026

August 28, 2025
Lando Norris’ 2025 Regrets: The Heroic Mistakes That Cost Him the Championship

Lando Norris’ 2025 Regrets: The Heroic Mistakes That Cost Him the Championship

August 28, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks