Russell States F1 Drivers Frustrated with FIA Leadership

Mercedes driver George Russell, who serves as a director for the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), stated that Formula 1 drivers are “a bit fed up” with the leadership of the FIA, the sport’s governing body. Russell also indicated that the drivers “weren’t aware” of the choice to dismiss race director Niels Wittich with three races remaining in the season. Russell, a British driver, commented: “There are a number of drivers who feel a bit fed up with the whole situation and it only seems to be going to a degree in the wrong direction.” He clarified that his remarks specifically targeted the leadership of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Russell noted that arranging a meeting with Ben Sulayem was “not difficult,” but added that “having promises fulfilled is another matter.” Russell’s statements emerge amidst a period of unrest in the relationship between the drivers and the FIA. Following the most recent race in Brazil, the GPDA issued an open letter requesting the FIA to treat them “like adults,” subsequent to a dispute concerning drivers using expletives in news conferences. In Singapore, FIA stewards instructed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to “accomplish some work of public interest” after he used a swear word to characterize his car during a news conference. Separately, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc received a fine for swearing in a post-race news conference held in Mexico. Previously, Ben Sulayem had attempted to enforce regulations regarding the wearing of appropriate underwear and prohibiting drivers from wearing jewellery. The letter additionally highlighted a lack of transparency concerning the utilization of funds collected from fines for driving infractions. Wittich’s departure occurred days later, and soon after, it became known that FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri had also been dismissed. Russell stated: “Talking as a fellow driver as opposed to my role with the GPDA, everybody felt with certain things that have happened that we wanted to stand united.” He continued, “At the end of the day we just want to be transparent with the FIA and have this dialogue.” Russell added, “And the departure of Niels is a prime example of not being part of these conversations. [The letter] is kind of us putting the pressure back on them.” Russell acknowledged that drivers were not entirely satisfied with certain aspects of Wittich’s performance since he assumed the role of race director at the beginning of the 2022 season. Wittich, who is German, has been succeeded by Rui Marques, a former Formula 2 and Formula 3 race director, for the last three races of the season, commencing in Las Vegas this weekend. He commented: “There is no secret that some were not happy with what was going on in terms of the decisions that were being made, but he worked together with us and we could have helped improve the matter.” Russell further remarked, “Sometimes just hiring and firing is not the solution. Let’s see what this new era brings, but every time you make a change you have to make one step back before you take two steps forward.” Referring to the open letter, Lewis Hamilton, Russell’s Mercedes team-mate, stated: “It’s just to show that, more than ever, the drivers are united, which is perhaps something you have not always seen in the past. ” He added, “There are some things that need addressing. The FIA need to be better at working and collaborating with us.” Haas driver Kevin Magnussen also reiterated Russell’s sentiments, noting that drivers perceive themselves as being disregarded compared to the era of former FIA F1 director Charlie Whiting, who passed away just before the 2019 season. Magnussen remarked: “I compare with the Charlie Whiting days,” he said. “He was someone we felt really connected to and we were really being listened to, but now we feel it’s more us against them and it should be a closer connection. We can help a lot.” While George Russell was the most vocal among the drivers regarding recent developments at the FIA, he was not alone in expressing dissatisfaction. Max Verstappen commented that replacing the race director three Grands Prix before the season’s conclusion was “weird.” The Red Bull driver stated: “If you want to change the race director, maybe you do it at the end of the season to give the new one time to get up to speed.” Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was among several drivers who expressed being “surprised” by the decision, and he also referred to the recent open letter concerning drivers being penalized for swearing in news conferences. Leclerc commented: “There are things to improve and we are trying to work with the FIA.” However, perhaps the most notable disclosure was Russell’s assertion that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had not responded to the drivers, either concerning the letter or to clarify the decision to dismiss race director Niels Wittich. He further added: “It’s definitely not difficult to get a sit-down [with Ben Sulayem], but I think getting things to change or getting promises upheld seems slightly more challenging.” The criticism is directed at what is perceived as Ben Sulayem’s seemingly arbitrary decision-making process and the perplexing character of some of his actions. Many within Formula 1 suggest that the considerable number of senior personnel departures from the FIA over the last year indicates an organization facing substantial problems. Russell remarked: “It’s clearly not the most stable of places.” Typically, individuals within F1 are hesitant to express such public criticism. The drivers’ willingness to do so underscores the extent of their apprehension.