Even after securing victory at the Australian GP last Sunday (8) at the Albert Park Circuit, George Russell raised concerns about the Straight-Line Mode of the new Formula 1 regulations. The Mercedes driver cited safety and front wing performance issues, especially during his initial battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. During the duel, the Briton felt significant understeer while trying to position himself for overtakes.
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In an interview with the press, Russell explained: “I think, after experiencing today’s race and the battles, the only thing I would ask the FIA (International Automobile Federation) is that, in Straight-Line Mode, the front wing doesn’t lose so much downforce so aggressively. When we open the Straight-Line Mode, we have a lot of understeer, and when I was behind Charles, trying to pull out of his slipstream, it was as if my front wing wasn’t working.”
The driver suggested that the system should reduce the front wing angle more gradually in low-downforce zones. In Melbourne, the most critical area was the long curve between Turns 8 and 9, where the fourth Straight-Line Mode activation zone was located. The controversy over this zone intensified over the weekend: the FIA even temporarily removed Zone 4 following driver feedback, but had to reactivate it due to resistance from teams, who pointed out the significant work required before Free Practice 3.
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Russell, who also serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), had already commented shortly after the end of the race: “We are definitely going to have to improve this a bit, because it was a bit risky,” concluded the race winner.
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