Ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 Australian GP, the Albert Park Circuit has undergone several modifications, particularly at Turns 6 and 7, in response to high-profile crashes during last year’s race weekend. The changes aim to enhance safety while preserving the circuit’s fast and flowing nature.

One of the most significant updates is the repositioning and angling of the barrier at the exit of Turn 6. This adjustment is designed to minimise the risk of cars bouncing back onto the track after a crash, as seen in George Russell’s frightening accident on the final lap in 2024.

Additionally, the kerbs at Turns 6 and 7 have been reworked, replacing the previous two-step design with a smoother, single-level kerb to improve car stability. The gravel trap at Turn 6 has also been extended up to the kerb, providing drivers with a better chance of slowing down before reaching the barrier in case of an off-track excursion.

These updates were implemented based on feedback from FIA safety experts and the drivers themselves, with the goal of making the corner safer while keeping it as a thrilling challenge for racers. Russell acknowledged that the modifications are a step in the right direction.

“Yeah, I know there’ve been changes to the circuit through that corner,” he said, quoted by Motorsport Week.

“There’ve been a few big crashes there and, obviously, it was a big one in itself. I’m fortunate I didn’t get collected afterwards.”

Despite the changes, Russell emphasised that it’s ultimately up to the FIA to ensure such incidents don’t happen again.

“I think the duty lies on the FIA, to be honest, in this regard. I think the people around the circuit have done everything they can to make that corner slightly better if you were to have a crash, so… it’s part of racing, it’s the dangers that we involve ourselves with.

“It’s when you push the limits and you’re going for everything, it sometimes bites – but I trust in the people.”

Williams driver Alex Albon, who also suffered a heavy crash at Albert Park in 2024, welcomed the updates and commended the initiative shown by the organisers.

“I think it’s a great corner,” Albon said.

“We talked about it a few years before, trying to get that corner changed, and I think, for whatever reason, maybe it was a harder thing to do back in the day.

“But as the crashes kept happening and the consistency of the crashes, of the cars coming back onto the track were happening as well, it’s great that they’ve taken the initiative to do it. It’s the right thing to do.

“I think the corner’s not going to be any worse. They haven’t taken away the feedback from it. It’s more just that kerb was very unpredictable, and the cars are running so low nowadays that they were creating almost, not random crashes, but unpredictable landing crashes.”

The Williams driver also praised broader FIA efforts to improve circuit safety and track limits, particularly with the use of gravel traps rather than extensive tarmac run-off areas.

“I think, hopefully, you’ve seen it already this year, at the end of last year, it does feel like the FIA are making a step in terms of improving the tracks, reducing the track limits, making sure that it’s gravel rather than run-off, and getting rid of that unpredictability, which I think is going towards a good direction.”

With these modifications in place, the Australian Grand Prix should provide a safer environment for drivers while maintaining the challenge that makes Albert Park a fan favourite. While some drivers remain cautious about whether all risks have been eliminated, the overall response to the changes has been positive.