9 November 2025PlanetF1Breaking newsAnalysisRace report
Brazilian GP Organizers Modify Turn 3 Kerb After Sprint Crashes Amid Rain Forecast
Brazilian Grand Prix organizers have swiftly modified the Turn 3 kerb at Interlagos after Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto crashed out of the Sprint due to water splashing from it. With more rain forecast for the main race, a drainage channel has been cut into the kerb to prevent puddles and enhance safety, demonstrating a proactive approach to potential track hazards.
Ahead of a wet-dry Sunday at the Brazilian Grand Prix, race organizers have taken steps to avoid a repeat of the crashes that sidelined Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto in the Sprint by making a small but significant change to the Turn 3 kerb. This proactive measure comes as more rain is forecast, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the main race.
Why it matters:
- The safety of drivers and the integrity of racing are paramount. The Turn 3 kerb issue highlights how subtle track conditions, especially in wet weather, can lead to significant incidents, impacting race outcomes and championship points.
- This quick response from the organizers demonstrates a commitment to driver safety and fair competition, crucial for maintaining F1's high standards.
The Details:
- Sprint Incident: Oscar Piastri, running third in Saturday's 24-lap Sprint, crashed out on Lap 6 at Turn 3. Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto also crashed at the same corner within seconds.
- Driver Accounts: Piastri confirmed that water splashed onto the track from the kerb played a role in his crash. "I took the same line as the cars ahead... and unfortunately, the consequences were a lot bigger," he stated.
- Underlying Cause: Kimi Antonelli reported to Mercedes that "Norris hit the kerb and a lot of water went on to the [racing] line," suggesting the kerb design exacerbated the issue by bringing water onto the racing surface.
- Organizational Response: With more rain predicted for Sunday, Brazilian Grand Prix organizers swiftly acted. Track workers cut a makeshift drainage channel into the Turn 3 kerb.
- Intended Effect: According to The Race, this modification aims to ensure that any water collected by the kerb is drained away from the track, preventing the formation of puddles at that critical corner.
What's next:
- The effectiveness of the kerb modification will be under scrutiny during Sunday's main race, especially if the forecast rain materializes as heavily as it did on Sunday morning.
- This incident and the subsequent action serve as a reminder for all drivers to exercise caution at Turn 3, regardless of the track conditions. The FIA has reported a "moderate chance of drizzle/light rain coming from the south" for the race, but conditions can change rapidly at Interlagos, as seen with the morning downpour.