The Canadian Grand Prix weekend witnessed an adjustment to the barrier at Turn 1 following safety concerns raised by drivers. In previous years, drivers who overshot Turn 1 could safely rejoin the track beyond Turn 2. However, this year, the FIA extended the end of the barrier to prevent out-of-control cars from colliding with traffic exiting Turn 2. This change presented drivers with two options when running wide: bouncing across the grass and rejoining the track or performing a U-turn in the runoff and heading back towards the traffic before rejoining. After discussions during the drivers’ briefing, the barrier was modified for Sunday’s race to allow for safer reentries and to address the drivers’ concerns.
The initial extension of the barrier was aimed at preventing cars from crossing the exit of Turn 2 at high speed and potentially causing a collision with another vehicle. However, drivers experienced difficulties with the modified section during Friday’s sessions. The issue persisted on Saturday, leading to further incidents at the corner. Acknowledging the drivers’ feedback, the FIA decided to refine the solution by removing the final 4 meters of the extended barrier, making it easier and safer for drivers to rejoin the track beyond Turn 2.
The modification to the barrier sparked a discussion among drivers about the need for increased driver input when considering track changes. GPDA director George Russell mentioned that the drivers had expressed their opinions about the barrier, suggesting that their input should have been sought before making the decision. Several drivers expressed their concerns, highlighting the potential dangers and emphasizing the importance of driver involvement in such alterations. They believed that collaborating with the drivers could have prevented the situation from arising in the first place.
Alex Albon, who explored the runoff area during the practice sessions, expressed his confusion over the reasoning behind the barrier extension. He felt that the corner had been well-designed prior to the change, as it provided a safer alternative for drivers going off track. Yuki Tsunoda acknowledged the FIA’s intentions in modifying the barrier to avoid potential T-bone collisions. However, he also understood the increased risk of overshooting Turn 1 and rejoining at Turn 2, which could lead to further incidents. The drivers collectively voiced their concerns about the safety implications and hoped for better collaboration between the FIA and drivers in the future.
