George Russell issues FIA request over new F1 safety concern

George Russell has called on the FIA to make changes to Straight Mode on safety grounds after feeling like his "front wing wasn't working" during the Australian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver won from pole at the Albert Park Circuit, but had an entertaining battle with Charles Leclerc over the opening laps.

During that exchange, the Briton experienced significant understeer when fighting the Ferrari, something that has now led to him seeking an immediate alteration from the motorsport governing body.

The six-time grand prix winner would like to see the front wing drop less suddenly when the low-downforce configuration is activated.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365, he said: "I think having experienced the race today 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."

Straight Mode 'was a bit sketchy'

Russell's comments built on remarks he made directly after getting out of his W17 at the season-opener, when he reflected on how difficult it was to use Straight Mode, particularly through corners.

"I’m sure we’re going to have to improve that a little bit because it was a bit sketchy," the 28-year-old explained at the time.

The specific area of concern in Melbourne was the long, curved run between Turns 8 and 9, where the fourth activation zone was situated.

And Russell's post-race reflections are especially pertinent given the contentiousness around that part of the circuit over the weekend.

On Saturday morning, the FIA removed Straight Mode Zone 4 following feedback from the drivers during the Friday evening briefing between the two parties.

However, it was forced into an immediate about-face when the teams revolted due to the considerable work it would create ahead of FP3.

Despite that development, Russell, who is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), does not see a downside to adopting a similarly cautious approach across the rest of the calendar.

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

Did you enjoy the first race of the new F1 era? Let us know by voting below in the latest poll by RacingNews365!