George Russell and Carlos Sainz have praised F1's new racing director Rui Marques.
This weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix marks Marques' first appearance as race director since taking over from Niels Wittich for the final three rounds of the 2024 season following the German's sudden departure, ousted by the FIA to everyone's surprise.
Despite concerns over the timing of the FIA's decision, Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) director and Mercedes driver Russell is impressed with how Marques has adapted to his new role.
“I would say it's positive, to be honest. I think we've gone through a period where our feedback is taken into account, but very little change is happening. For example, a number of drivers have spoken about the limits of track coming out of turn 4. We felt it was a bit unnecessary on a street circuit Rui made a change on that in the moment, and I think that's what we want to see as a team. pilots, we want to be heard, we want to see action taken immediately So, so far, it's positive.”
Carlos Sainz continues: “Yes, he was given a huge task to start a season with three races remaining and to be race director, I think it's such a complicated role in Formula 1, where you have so many variables to control that I think “He was given a very difficult task, but honestly, the first weekend right off the bat, I thought he was really good.”
“I think Friday's drivers briefing was one of the best we've had in a long time. George commented on the exit of Turn 3. I will say we also requested some changes at the pit entrance to make the line more visible because we literally couldn't see the pit entry line so we were very worried about that and then we went to the track and the pit entry line was widened, a blue line was laid and we all said it was really good because they made a very good change and with a very good approach and the way we listened during the briefing was honestly also very positive and I'm encouraged by that.”
Pierre Gasly stressed that “It's been a good start and it's great to see good communication. So far it's been very positive.”
Its first real test remains to be seen: the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, an event that can be chaotic with crashes, safety cars, etc.
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