The Spanish Grand Prix has come under fire in recent years, as F1 races around the Catalunya circuit have generally been underwhelming, to say the least. George Russell and Lando Norris are the latest drivers to highlight the issue.
Lando Norris has questioned alterations to the Catalunya track layout on the eve of the 2021 F1 Spanish Grand Prix.
His comments follow those of fellow British driver George Russell, who feels that removing the final chicane of the current configuration could lead to better racing.
Norris’ main source of frustration concerns new changes to Turn 10, which is now a lot less tight. According to the McLaren man, this could backfire – as the corner is suddenly less of a big braking zone.
“I don’t know what that new turn is like either (Turn 10). I’m not so confident on that,” Norris told RacingNews365.com and selected members of the media.
“It looks to be a weird corner. Turn 10 was probably the only other overtaking opportunity apart from the pit-straight and there’s not as much of a big braking zone now. So if they change it to that, I think I would say no.”
Williams driver George Russell also recently gave his opinion on the Barcelona circuit and changes that could be made to improve the spectacle for the fans.
Russell, who was recently named as a director of the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers Association), thinks that the removal of the final chicane at Barcelona could make a big difference.
“An example we have at the moment is Barcelona, the circuit offers pretty poor racing. The races are always pretty dull,” the 23-year-old told RacingNews365.com.
“On the whole, we think that if the circuit were to return to the last two corners that were there 15 years ago, two fast corners, you’ll actually be able to follow slightly closer. You’ll be coming onto a straight at higher speed, the slipstream effect will be greater, all the way down to Turn 1.
“For the fans, you’re seeing the cars at a much higher speed, for the drivers you go around an incredibly quick corner, which is exciting. It’s a win-win.”
