F1 News
Russell bewildered: "I don't know who makes these decisions"
The modifications made to Monza were the talk of the paddock yesterday at the Italian Grand Prix. The track has had some changes made to it, which include resurfacing the track, as well as kerbs being changed to become flatter, including at the iconic Ascari chicane. Many drivers have come out and said they are worried that Monza may have lost some of its magic, and the drivers themselves were the last to find out about these modifications. George Russell has voiced his disapproval of that.
Russell thinks Monza will be less "impressive" after changes
While these changes to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza have gone ahead, the drivers have had little to no input. Only at the Canadian Grand Prix this year have drivers been told that modifications are being made to the circuit, which was received extremely well. This was not the case at Monza.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, which included GPblog, Russell was not too happy that the people who race on the newly modified track have very little input on what changes are made: "It's something we've spoken about a number of times in the past, that drivers are often the last to find out when there are track changes. Personally, I think it's a bit of a shame because there was so much character with Ascari as an example. I don't think it will be as impressive, that corner, with the kerb changes."
Russell does not know why drivers are not consulted about the changes at an earlier date, with the Brit slightly bewildered at the decisions that have been made to modify the track: "I honestly don't know who makes these decisions. I don't think it's the FIA. I think it's the circuits themselves. I guess we have to appreciate the circuit is designed for a whole season and all sorts of different categories. But we've always said these old school circuits with incredible character, need to be preserved at all costs."
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