George Russell vehemently opposes F3 having 30 cars at any point and warns of a multi-car disaster

On July 1, 2023, the racing world mourned the loss of 18-year-old Dutch driver Dilano van’t Hoff, who tragically lost his life in a violent multi-car incident during a wet race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. It occurred at the Raidillon corner. The accident sent shockwaves through the Formula One paddock during the Austrian Grand Prix, raising concerns about safety and visibility.

As the racing community paid tribute to van’t Hoff, George Russell, the Mercedes driver and the sole GPDA chairman after Sebastian Vettel’s retirement, didn’t hesitate to express his deep-seated fears. “I fear a little bit for the junior categories with F3 out on track,” Russell remarked, emphasizing his concerns over the number of cars allowed on the grid. For him, “F3 shouldn’t be allowed to have 30 cars at any point, even in dry conditions.”

Russell’s apprehensions stem from the inherent risks of overcrowding the track, especially in challenging weather conditions. The recent Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps raised serious questions about safety and visibility due to heavy rain. The poor visibility caused by the water spray left several drivers feeling uneasy, prompting a renewed focus on driver safety in motorsport.

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George Russell warns that F3 risks having a ‘big accident’ with 30 races

“It is a matter of time before a big accident happens there,” Russell warned, hinting at the potential dangers that lurk on the F3 grid. While the FIA has made efforts to improve safety standards, the concerns remain, particularly regarding managing visibility issues during wet races. Russell’s calls for reevaluating the number of cars allowed on the grid reflect the need for proactive measures to safeguard young talents in the sport.

George praised recent improvements in the FIA with Nikolas Tombazis and Steve Nielsen’s contributions. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Niels Wittich as Race Director but emphasized the positive impact of open dialogue and communication between drivers and the FIA. This progress signifies a safer and more organized racing environment compared to the past.

Russell is currently sixth in the standings with 1 podium under his belt. Mercedes are currently second in the standings struggling to understand their car. As for Russell, he believes that a significant improvement has been made compared to the past in terms of safety. But he still holds out on F3 having 30 cars, fearing a potential high-risk accident. 

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