Albert Park circuit modified after 2024 accidents

The 2024 Australian Grand Prix was the scene of two significant accidents at turns 6 and 7 of the Albert Park circuit. The first incident involved George Russell, caught off guard by Fernando Alonso’s early braking. His Mercedes veered off the track before being propelled back onto the racing surface. A few days earlier, Alex Albon had also been involved in a major accident during free practice. The Thai driver’s Williams was so damaged that it couldn’t be repaired in time for the race. The team then decided to give Albon his teammate Logan Sargeant’s car, forcing the American to sit out the entire weekend. These incidents reignited the debate about the safety of this sector, deemed particularly tricky by the drivers. “The turn [itself] is incredible, probably one of the best on this circuit, so I wouldn’t want that turn to be modified,” declared George Russell after his crash. “But on all circuits where barriers are placed in certain positions, if they propel you back onto the track, it’s obviously not a good thing.”

The changes decided by the FIA

Faced with these concerns, the FIA and local organizers decided to intervene. After analyzing the accidents and feedback from the drivers, several adjustments were approved. First, the barrier to the left of the drivers was moved and placed at a different angle. The goal is to reduce the risk of cars bouncing back onto the track after an impact. The barrier on the left side of turn 7 was also moved and reprofiled to mitigate the possibility of a car stopping in a position close to the racing line, explains an FIA spokesperson. Then, the gravel trap was extended to the edge of the curb to better slow down cars going off the track.

The curbs at turns 6 and 7 have also undergone significant modification. The FIA has decided to standardize their design by adopting a so-called negative curb model. Unlike traditional curbs that rise up from the track, these slightly lower to avoid any abrupt transition that could destabilize cars. This change specifically addresses concerns raised by Alex Albon after his accident: “It’s a kind of double curb on the exit, and especially with these low cars, you can use the first curb, but if you go too far and hit the second section of the ramp, the car is thrown into the air.” A FIA spokesperson clarifies: “This adjustment removes the transition between the negative and positive curb that was present in this area, to provide a smoother transition between curb types. The goal is to eliminate the possibility of this transition destabilizing a car.”

Changes very well received in the paddock

During the drivers’ briefing in 2024, many voices had called for the FIA to intervene in this area, without altering the circuit layout. With these adjustments, the organization hopes to: « Improve safety while maintaining the dynamics of the corners and exciting races. » These new configurations will be tested during the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.