Drivers' Concerns Over Monza Circuit Modifications

---

F1 Drivers Express Concerns Over Changes

Concerns have been raised by F1 drivers regarding the changes made to the classic Monza track.

The drivers are increasingly worried that the adjustments to the circuit before the upcoming Italian Grand Prix might negatively impact the race.

Numerous drivers have voiced their discontent regarding the changes implemented at Monza, a renowned circuit in Formula 1.

While the resurfacing of the circuit is the most noticeable change this weekend, adjustments to the kerbs have also been implemented, including modifications to existing ones and the addition of new ones.

Although F1 cars have not yet raced on the updated layout, Daniel Ricciardo inspected the revamped Monza upon his arrival at the track on Thursday morning.

Ricciardo stated. “They've changed the kerbs. I went around the track this morning. I can't say I'm that impressed because I think some elements have lost some of the character of the circuit,”

“Obviously, a lot of you have been following F1 even longer than me and maybe it's just as a driver, because we drive it and experience it, so maybe it makes sense to us, I don't know if it makes sense to the outside.

“But kerbs and things like this…they make a circuit unique, and when you just kind of put some flat kerbs and stuff, like second chicane, so turn five, you get over the kerb and then there was like a thin concrete strip and then gravel.

“[In the past] you'd always just try and run your wheels on that little bit of concrete and use all the track, but not too much.

“It's quite bumpy as well. I think it was kind of old-school and now that's gone. We haven't driven it yet but the resurfacing looks great. The asphalt looks really nice, but the kerbs, I’m a bit disappointed in."

Ricciardo's perspective on the recent changes at the track suggests a positive outlook on the potential improvements in races. He particularly pointed out the alterations to the kerbs, like Variante Ascari, as a step in the right direction. However, his discontent was evident when discussing the modifications to the iconic chicane. He highlighted the lack of driver consultation regarding the new look, indicating a missed opportunity for input from those directly affected.

“It's very flat now, so ultimately, because we can use so much more kerb probably, it's going to be wider and easier to be flat than through nine and ten,” He provided an explanation.

“I don't want to be all negative - maybe that means we can follow closer because it's easier flat and you get a bigger slipstream, but I don't know. I think they still underrate the kerbs and what it does to a circuit, how it changes the feeling, the character, the approach.

“We'll see. Obviously, I am going to enjoy driving here but it feels like it's lost a little bit of that ‘old-schoolness’ that it had.

“We go to a lot of modern circuits now, which are fun, they're great, but if we're going to keep the old-school ones, then let's keep them old-school - that's a little bit of my concern.

“We don't need an overriding say, but at least just let us give some feedback. Maybe we save them money. They don't have to change the kerbs.