Russell criticizes modern F1: “A race to Turn 1” after US GP

George Russell Criticizes Modern Formula 1 After the United States Grand Prix

Mercedes driver George Russell has expressed his concern about the current state of Formula 1, suggesting that races have become a simple “race to turn 1”. These statements arose after a United States Grand Prix with few thrills. The race at the Circuit of the Americas, which promised to be epic, was characterized by a limited number of overtakes throughout the pack. Max Verstappen’s victory was number 13 for the driver starting from pole position in the 19 races this year. Russell, who started fifth, finished sixth, losing a position to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at the start.

Right now, in F1 it’s a race to turn 1. There’s no tire degradation, there are only three tenths of a second between the fastest and slowest car in the top six.

George Russell

Russell argued that, due to the lack of tire degradation and the proximity of lap times between the cars, overtaking has become extremely difficult. McLaren driver Lando Norris pulled off some overtakes in his battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, although the different tire strategies of both drivers contributed to this.

Formula 1 has struggled to find a solution for exciting races. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is being replaced under next year’s regulation change, but it has previously been compared to a temporary solution for deeper problems, largely related to the difficulty modern F1 cars have in following each other. Pirelli, the long-time F1 tire supplier, has often been blamed for the state of its tires, but Russell explained that it is unfair to focus solely on that area.

Pirelli receives constant criticism, no matter what. When there is a lot of tire degradation, people say it’s not real, the drivers can’t push when they have to manage… [then] we don’t like it when there is no tire degradation, we say it’s a boring race.

George Russell

Russell went on to explain that the ideal solution for the tires would be to have a rubber that would allow drivers to push to the maximum for a limited number of laps, forcing multiple pit stops. The Mercedes driver concluded that Pirelli is making a maximum effort and has provided substantially better tires, but that they still cause races with little excitement.