George Russell raises his voice: “We don’t want to see a huge incident like we just witnessed.”
During Thursday's meeting, George Russell, president of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, raised concerns about the weather conditions that could disrupt the race weekend. For safety reasons, he is calling for firm action.
Formula 1 arrives in Belgium with a heavy heart following the tragic death of Dilano van ‘t Hoff a few weeks ago. Already facing questions about safety after the horrific accident of Antoine Hubert in 2019, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit further divides opinions when rain pours down. This is due to Dilano van ‘t Hoff’s fatal accident in FRECA on July 1st, after a crash in torrential rain. As rain seems to be approaching the circuit, the question of whether to race arises. No one wants to relive a similar situation. As the Chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, George Russell speaks out, emphasizing that safety takes precedence over the spectacle.
« The two questions are whether Spa is safe enough and then it’s the question of the conditions », said Russell.
Russell issues a warning
The Briton discusses the conditions behind the wheel of a single-seater when rain pours down on the track. He mentions the almost zero visibility that the drivers have to deal with.
« When there is a combination of weather conditions, it’s very difficult. It’s the visibility, we have no visibility. The way I describe it to try to put things into perspective is like driving on the highway in pouring rain and turning off the windshield wipers », explained George Russell.
« This is really what we feel in the cockpit. There aren’t really any short-term solutions, I personally think Spa is quite safe. We just need to find a solution to ensure visibility, he continued. »
Doing everything to avoid a tragedy
With rain announced this weekend, dark thoughts return even if they are still recent after the tragic death of Dilano van ‘t Hoff a month ago. George Russell doesn’t want to take any risks that could jeopardize the safety of the drivers and wishes to avoid a tragedy.
« In order for a single Formula 1 car to circulate, the conditions are safe and suitable enough. But when you have 20 cars on the track at once, and anyone from the third position backwards literally cannot see from here to that wall, so you’re talking about 20, 30, 40 meters », said George Russell, highlighting the danger and unnecessary risk taken by the drivers.
« I felt that the incident that occurred at FRECA was only a matter of time before something like that happened. Pilots don’t go flat out in the straight because they can’t see, then someone ends up behind and there’s a car in the middle of the track » then Russell continued. Indeed, with extremely reduced visibility, it’s difficult to predict what is happening ahead of you. If a driver goes off the track, the crash can quickly turn into a tragedy.
« Obviously, canceling a race is not ideal for anyone. But we don’t want to see a huge incident like we just witnessed,” concluded George Russell. The FIA will have to make quick decisions in case of rain. On one hand, to avoid reliving the nightmare management of the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix. On the other hand, to prevent a tragedy.
