Interlagos Makes Urgent Changes After Sprint Race Crashes
Following a chaotic sprint race at the F1 Brazil GP where Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto all crashed at Turn 3 due to standing water, Sao Paulo Grand Prix organizers have made urgent modifications. A makeshift drainage channel has been cut into the kerb at Turn 3 to prevent water accumulation, aiming to improve safety for the upcoming main Grand Prix, which is also expected to see changeable weather.
Race organizers at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix have implemented immediate changes at Interlagos following a chaotic sprint race where three drivers crashed at Turn 3. Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto all ended up in the barriers at the same corner, attributed to water collecting on the kerb and being thrown onto the track.
Why it matters:
The safety of drivers is paramount in Formula 1, and repeated incidents at the same spot highlight a critical track condition issue. Swift action by organizers ensures that similar hazardous conditions are mitigated for subsequent sessions, especially for the main Grand Prix race. This proactive response also demonstrates the continuous effort to maintain high safety standards in motorsport.
The details:
- During Saturday's sprint race, Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto all crashed at Turn 3, with Piastri and Colapinto retiring.
- The incidents were linked to water accumulating on the kerb at Turn 3, which was then sprayed across the track after Lando Norris clipped it.
- According to The Race, Grand Prix organizers have created a makeshift drainage channel at the Turn 3 kerb.
- This modification aims to prevent water from collecting and forming puddles, thereby reducing the risk of further crashes.
The big picture:
Despite earlier cyclone warnings for Sao Paulo, the sprint race saw a mix of wet and dry conditions. Lando Norris eventually won the sprint, extending his lead in the drivers' championship. The incident underscores how even minor track anomalies, especially in changeable weather, can have significant consequences for driver safety and race outcomes. With more unpredictable weather expected for Sunday's Grand Prix, these track changes are crucial for a safer race.
What's next:
Organizers will be closely monitoring the effectiveness of the new drainage channel, especially with forecasts predicting more rain for Sunday's main Grand Prix. Drivers will need to adapt quickly to any remaining track nuances, and teams will be factoring the modified Turn 3 conditions into their race strategies. The success of these changes will be critical in ensuring a safe and fair race for all competitors.