This is how Formula 1 wants to prevent the track-side misery that is often frustrating for spectators, which is not only annoying, but its sanctioning also raises many questions.
To prevent this, key areas have been changed, which already debuted at the WEC race preceding the F1 weekend. The previous asphalt areas have been reduced, replaced by gravel beds. This is what they did at the exit of the Piratella corner, where the gravel bed was brought closer to the right side of the track. The crash pad on the outside of Acque Minerali was also “drained” and replaced with a huge gravel bed, which completely eliminates the possibility of mistakes. In other words, mistakes can be made, but there will be no continuation of the story… They did the same in the case of the Variante Alta, where a gravel bed was also installed at its exit. This means that, for example, the mistake seen here by Charles Leclerc in 2022 will certainly mean elimination this weekend. Not only the crash pads, but the shaking stones have also changed, in some places they have been raised to double height.
Carlos Sainz spoke approvingly of the changes: "I think I can say on behalf of all the drivers that we welcome the return of gravel beds and we pray that more and more will follow Imola's example in the future! Gravel beds, grass, this is what a track looks like, this is exactly what is needed to make the venues beautiful and spectacular, and for us to enjoy them too." - was the strong recommendation to the F1 management.
