
'It's like crashing a bus' - Russell concerned about dangers of F1 cars
'It's like crashing a bus' - Russell concerned about dangers of F1 cars

George Russell has conceded the inherent danger of constantly increasing the weight of F1 cars after comparing accidents to "crashing with a bus".
F1 cars have bloated in recent years with increased safety devices and the hybrid system adding significant weight.
Across the last 10 years, cars have gotten 156kg heavier, increasing from 650kg to 798kg.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Russell said: “The big one [issue] is the weight.
“The weight is extraordinary. At the moment, the low-speed performance is not great.
READ MORE: Russell hailed as F1 'revelation' by former champion
“We keep making these cars safer and safer, but obviously the heavier you make them when you have an impact it’s like crashing with a bus compared to a Smart Car.
“You’re going to have a greater impact if you’re going the same speed with a car that weighs 800-odd-kgs or over 900kgs at the start of a race, compared to one 15 years ago when they were at 650kg."
Recent seasons have seen a number of extraordinary crashes that could previously have had fatal consequences.
Romain Grosjean's crash in the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix is one such example that fully tested the safety devices, including the Halo, as his Haas split the barrier in two before bursting into flames.

Although unable to offer a solution that would satisfy all parties, Russell is confident that the FIA will achieve success in this mission.
“And I’m sure there’s analysis going on about striking that right balance because I don’t know where the line is drawn," he added.
“If you just keep making it heavier, heavier, heavier, stronger, stronger, stronger – actually you get to a point where you cross over that [line] that too heavy is actually not safer.”
READ MORE: Russell declares himself 'ready to fight' for title
Related news

Russell admits being DISTRACTED before F1 mishap

Russell admits huge nerves over iconic F1 feature in 2024

Russell calls for F1 staff to be BANNED from working some races

Hamilton leaves Russell stunned after CRAZY daredevil announcement
Most read

Surprise F1 name tipped to partner Verstappen at Red Bull

Hamilton hits waves with Ferrari rival as F1 stars pictured on break

F1 News Today: Wolff brutally plays down huge Mercedes decision as Perez raises alarm over employee welfare

F1 News Today: Verstappen makes Ricciardo accusation as Horner issues worrying Mercedes verdict

Verstappen accuses Ricciardo of ‘trying to kill everyone’ at karting event
F1 Standings

Drivers
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
-
Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860