F1 has "a lot to learn" after Jeddah "recipe for disaster" - George Russell

Russell, Williams, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Photo: © LAT Images

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

F1 has "a lot to learn" after Jeddah "recipe for disaster" - Russell

Russell was involved in a nasty incident during the Saudi Arabian GP

Ewan Gale

Monday 6 December 2021 15:00

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Williams driver and Grand Prix Drivers' Association director George Russell believes F1 has "a lot to learn" over safety and labelled the Jeddah Corniche Circuit a "recipe for disaster".

Russell was taken out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in worrying fashion after being rear-ended by Nikita Mazepin as the field slowed in reaction to a collision between Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc, the Haas' front wing acting as a lifting mechanism for the rear of the Williams.

Fears were raised ahead of the race of such an incident occurring with a pinball-like motion of cars within the walls of the street circuit causing concern over secondary impacts at high speeds.

Reacting to the incident, Russell said: "[It was] a big impact.

"It is so difficult for all of the drivers. You come around a corner which is full-gas and suddenly there is a car sideways, there is tyre smoke everywhere, you don't know what is about to happen.

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"A lot to learn from this weekend in terms of these circuits. Incredibly exhilarating, so fast, exciting to drive from a driving perspective but lacking quite a lot from a racing perspective and a racing perspective.

"Let's see what happens in the future and just generally, a lot to learn I think."

Although chaos was avoided on the initial race start, Russell confirmed things had been far from calm in the cockpit of his Williams.

"To be honest, it was much of the same through the opening laps because it was just chaos from turn three through to turn seven," Russell explained.

"You couldn't see anything, cars were everywhere and again, it is a great track to drive but it is a bit of a recipe for disaster.

"A rethink is needed and if we do come back here next year, which I guess we are, I think there are some things they need to modify to make these kinks just straights.

"It is so blind and we have already seen too many incidents waiting to happen."