F1 News: FIA Makes Last-Minute Changes To Canadian Grand Prix

The FIA has made some last-minute changes ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.

As we gear up for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, the FIA has made some last-minute changes to the track. 

Take the pit lane, for instance. Renowned for its shorter length that enables quicker pit stops, the Montreal circuit has undergone modifications in this area. A preview document by the FIA for the Canadian Grand Prix has highlighted an extension of the concrete walls of the pit lane by 106 metres. Not stopping at that, the pit entrance is also slated to become narrower by 4.5 metres.

In addition to the changes to the pits, alterations have been made to other parts of the circuit too. Adjustments to the layout of the circuit include a realignment of the concrete wall and crash barrier on the exit of the first corner, and similar modifications to the barriers of turn 7. 

Turn 3 hasn't been left out, either, as its exit lane has been expanded. Therefore, it seems unlikely that we'll witness a repeat of the legendary 2019 incident between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, which ended with the iconic moment of the German driver switching the first and second place pedestals around after the race.

Vettel crossed the line first in the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix, however, was handed a five-second penalty for an 'unsafe release' as he went off the track and came back on again at Turn 3 when Hamilton was on the same part of the track. So, Vettel lost his first place position to the British driver.

The changes to the pit lane layout will prove the main difference for the teams who will have to take this into account with their pit-stop strategies for the weekend. 

The on-track action gets going tomorrow with the first two free practice sessions. Saturday will see the third and final practice session followed by Qualifying, ahead of the highly-anticipated race on Sunday.