George Russell wants to see action rather than words after the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said that he is considering a pivot on the organisation’s stance on Formula 1 driver misconduct
The FIA’s increased fines for swearing during public media sessions irked the F1 driving community and drew protest from drivers in the WRC when Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux was punished.
Earlier this week, Ben Sulayem took to social media to relay he’s considering relaxing the guidelines.
The FIA president wrote: “Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships, I am considering making improvements to Appendix B.
“By listening to one another and working collaboratively, we continue to drive a positive future for the sport we all care so deeply about.”
Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, was asked for his take on Ben Sulayem’s comments, and relayed to media, including Motorsport Week ahead of the Miami Grand Prix that actions speak louder than words.
“Conceptually, yes [it’s a positive step],” Russell said.
“But obviously, we want to see these things put into action rather than saying we’re considering things. We all consider a lot of things.
“We’re clear we want changes and once they are implemented, then we’ll comment on it. But for the time being, it’s being considered.
“So it’s just, the words don’t mean anything until the change has been made.”
Russell: GPDA hasn’t had dialogue with FIA president
Russell and the members of the GPDA published an open letter via social media last November calling for dialogue with the FIA president to talk through several concerns, driver fines for swearing among them.
The Mercedes ace was asked whether Ben Sulayem’s comments this week regarding his changing stance were news to him at the time they were announced.
“I mean, in short, yes,” Russell replied, indicating he had no prior knowledge Ben Sulayem would make the statement.
From here, Russell added there’d been no communication between the GPDA and the FIA president since November’s open letter, as he urged for action from the governing body.
“Collectively, we’ve not spoken any further since the open letter that was sent out,” Russell continued.
“So whether that is the response, I’m not too sure. As I said, it’ll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard.
“I think it’s just in the best interest for the sport and ensuring that some common sense is sort of applied to these situations.
“But as I said, I think all of us, we can comment on it when we see the action being taken rather than just the consideration.”
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