The Silverstone circuit modified after Zhou’s accident
After a chaotic start last year, Zhou Guanyu's Alfa Romeo had crashed into the fences after flipping over in the gravel trap. The circuit director reacted accordingly by modifying turn number 1.
We remember this horrifying image of Zhou Guanyu’s Alfa Romeo C42 on its roof, after a collision with George Russell’s car, which then went on to cross the gravel trap and finish its race in the fences behind the tyre walls at turn 1. This moment will remain one of the defining moments of the 2022 Formula 1 season.
Since this accident, new, even stricter safety rules regarding the roll bar have been implemented for the 2023 season. But that’s not the only consequence, as some modifications have been made to the asphalt of the Silverstone circuit by the circuit director.
Indeed, the runoff zone on the left of turn 1 has been significantly reduced in size, with a large part of its gravel bed (45 meters exactly) being replaced by an asphalt area. Stuart Pringle, the circuit’s general manager, admits that he and his team have worked extensively over the winter. This decision was made to prevent the sinking phenomenon that led to the Chinese driver’s car flipping over. The circuit director himself has identified this sinking phenomenon as the true problem.
Luckily, the Alfa Romeo driver emerged unscathed from this accident and was able to complete his season.
