Ever since Jules Bianchi’s wretched fatal accident in the 2015 Japanese GP, safety became a major concern. Formula 1 has made massive strides in increasing drivers’ safety by keeping it a priority. The sport is building on the safety aspect every season with small changes. However, according to George Russell, these safety concerns are being tested with new regulations.

The Mercedes man outlined his concern about the ever-increasing minimum weight of the Formula 1 single-seaters. After the introduction of the 2022 regulations, the minimum weight went up to 1759 lbs. The minimum weight was a reason for many driver complaints throughout the 2022 season and performance on slow corners.

Speaking to Autosport, Russell outlined his concern about the increment in the minimum weight.“The big one [issue] is the weight,” said Russell. “The weight is extraordinary. At the moment, the low-speed performance is not great. We keep making these cars safer and safer, but obviously the heavier you make them when you have an impact, it’s like crashing with a bus compared to a Smart Car.”

“If you just keep making it heavier, heavier, heavier, stronger, stronger, stronger – actually you get to a point where you cross over that [line] that too heavy is actually not safer,” he concluded.

Read More: Mercedes Reveals Why Lewis Hamilton Was Running a Much Heavier W13 at Australian GP

Despite the safety concern, the team got their demands fulfilled to increase the minimum weight limit to gain a competitive advantage. However, Russell, ‘the Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has a valid point.

George Russell outlines his concerns with a valid point despite the team’s contradicting complaints

Despite the team’s demand, which was fulfilled, to increase the minimum weight, there is a great safety risk. The Brit pointed out how great the impact would be with a car that weighs 1700+ lbs going at 200+ mph.

“You’re going to have a greater impact if you’re going the same speed with a car that weights 800-odd-kgs or over 900kgs at the start of a race, compared to one 15 years ago when they were at 650kg,” he said.

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The F1 single-seater was the heaviest in the sport’s history in 2022. It will be interesting to see if the minimum weight increases further in 2023, completely disregarding Russell’s concerns.