Carlos Sainz Jnr says Formula 1 drivers had a positive first impression of new race director Rui Marques after meeting him yesterday.
Marques has taken over as the FIA’s F1 race director this weekend following the unexpected departure of Niels Wittich. Sainz said he’s made a promising start in a challenging role.
“He’s been given a massive task to come into a season with three races left as race director,” said Sainz. “It’s such a complicated role in Formula 1, which you have so many variables to control, I think he’s been given a very difficult task.
“But honestly, the first weekend straight from the go, I think he’s been really good. I think the drivers’ briefing yesterday was one of the best we’ve had in a long time.”
The drivers requested changes at two points on the circuit, to help them avoid going beyond track limits at turn four and the pit lane exit.
“We asked for some changes on the pit entry to make the line more visible because we literally couldn’t see the pit entry line, so we were very worried about that,” Sainz explained. “Today we turn up to the track and the pit entry line was widened [with] a blue line and we were all saying this was really nice because they did a very nice change and with a very good approach. The way [they] were listening yesterday, it was honestly also a very positive meeting and I’m encouraged by that.”
George Russell echoed Sainz’s view, saying Marques had been receptive to their views.
“I’d say [it was] positive, to be honest. I think we’ve been through a little bit of an era where our comments are taken on board, but very little change happens.
“For example, a number of drivers spoke about the track limits of the exit of turn four. We felt it was a little bit unnecessary on a street circuit. He made a change to it in the moment, and I think that’s what we want to see as drivers we want to be we heard and we want to see action taken straight away. So far, it’s been positive.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Miss nothing from RaceFans
Get a daily email with all our latest stories – and nothing else. No marketing, no ads. Sign up here:
2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at RaceFans…