Russell criticises Monza changes: ‘Could have saved somebody a job’

George Russell feels the track changes to Italian Grand Prix venue Monza "could have saved somebody a job."

Ahead of the race, the track has been resurfaced, but drivers have been critical of the kerbs at the three chicanes being removed in favour of flat areas. 

At Turn 1/2 in particular, cars have been launched by these kerbs in the past, but the fast left-right-left of Ascari has also been changed, something that draw the ire of Russell, who serves as a GPDA director. 

Discussing the changes, Russell insisted he did not feel strongly either way, but felt Ascari was one area of track that did not need to see any change.

"It is something we've spoken about a number of times in the past that drivers are often the last ones to find out where there are track changes," Russell told media including RacingNews365.

"Personally, I think it is 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 with the kerb changes. 

"I honestly don't know who makes these decisions, I don't think it is the FIA, I think it is the circuits themselves, and we have to appreciate that circuits are designed for a whole season and different categories, but we've always said that these old school circuits need preserving. 

"The kerbs through Ascari were very unique to Monza, there was a drain that dropped down 10 centimetres and came back up and you could hook your wheel inside and it always created quite an iconic photo. 

"You saw cars drifting through with the inside wheel just dipping into the drain, whereas now they are completely dead-flat and it is going to offer the opportunity for drivers to cut the corner completely. 

"We're still limited by the gravel, and it is going to be a faster corner now, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but I just feel like it was one of those corners that didn't need any change whatsoever. 

"I don't feel strongly about it, but it could have saved somebody a job."

Selfish drivers

Discussing the impact of the changes, Russell feels that the impact on racing won't be that extreme, with more of the impact coming for the drivers and their rhythm.

"The drivers will definitely speak about it, but if I am being rational, it is 20 drivers who have lost out on a great corner, going from great to good, but it shouldn't change anything in terms of racing," he added.

"We want the best racks in the world to race against each other with the most character, but ultimately, we want good racing above all else, and the changes to this circuit is not really going to help or hinder the racing. 

"It just makes it marginally less enjoyable for us drivers going around, so we are quite selfish and we want the best of everything, but hopefully we can find a better way in the future.