Mercedes‘ George Russell has criticised the FIA for its lack of transparency over the departure of long-serving Formula 1 race steward Tim Mayer and Deputy Formula 2 Race Director Janette Tam.
Mayer and Tam join a long list of recent departures from the motorsport governing body, which includes former F1 Race Director Niels Wittich and FIA Compliance Officer Paolo Basarri, who have both been dismissed in the last fortnight.
Moreover, this year Sporting Director Tim Nielsen, Technical Director Tim Goss, Chief Executive Officer Natalie Robyn, Head of Commission for Women Deborah Mayer, Secretary General of Mobility Jacob Bangsgaard and Director of Communications Luke Skipper have all headed through the FIA exit door.
Russell was critical of the FIA’s handling of Mayer and Tam’s departure, especially since the drivers learnt about both through the media rather than direct communication with the FIA.
“Just when we’ve asked for transparency and consistency, we’re getting rid of two highly important people in the governing body,” Russell said on Thursday ahead of the Qatar GP.
“It’s gone in full 360. We still don’t have any reasoning for Niels’ [Wittich] removal. I don’t think anybody was informed about Tim [Mayer] leaving.
“The first I heard about the new Race Director doing Formula 2 this weekend was through the media.
“Naturally in any organisation, if you’ve got people leaving or change of personnel, it’s never going to be a stable environment.
“People have to learn the new rules and that’s very challenging for any team. It must be super challenging for everyone within the FIA right now.
“We’d love to get a little bit of clarity and understanding of what’s going on and who’s getting fired next.”
FIA dismissals ‘not ideal’ says Max Verstappen
Recently crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen was also asked to give his verdict on the sacking of Tam, which has forced new F1 Race Director Rui Marques to oversee both his new role and that of F2 Race Director in Qatar.
The Dutchman revealed that he “didn’t even know,” the nature of the news, adding “Someone else left, right? Again, I didn’t even know. I mean, I don’t follow F1 news, I think that’s better anyway.”
The instability at the FIA has led axed F1 race steward Mayer to question whether the governing body is running out of capable race directors and Verstappen concurred that the situation is “not ideal” for all involved.
“I think even for them, of course, it’s not ideal, right, with people leaving,” he said.
“It just depends who you get back for it. Who’s going to take over a role? I mean, that’s also another thing.”
Russell continued his pessimistic stance towards the FIA and while he has faith in Liberty Media and Formula One Management, he is hoping for the governing body to become a steadier ship for the good of F1.
“Definitely when it comes to the FIA, too much is changing and too quickly,” he said.
“I think everybody has faith in Liberty [Media] and faith in Stefano [Domenicali].
“He was a racer and he’s got racing in his blood. He’s doing everything he can to get the sport in the best place possible.
“I think the only concern for all of us is that the sport is in such a great place.
“Everyone is trying their best for teams. Liberty and Stefano are doing such a great job.
“We just need to make sure that the sport stays in this position or continues to grow.
“The only thing with all of this change, I hope it’s not going to have a negative impact.”
READ MORE – Mercedes’ George Russell claims F1 drivers ‘fed up’ with the FIA
