George Russell Calls for FIA Leadership Reform

George Russell has voiced his frustrations regarding the leadership of the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, emphasizing that many drivers are increasingly disillusioned with the current situation. As a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, he specifically highlighted concerns over the lack of response from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, noting that while meetings are easy to arrange, the fulfillment of promised changes remains elusive. The drivers' association has issued an open letter seeking greater transparency and respect, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding fines and disciplinary actions.

In the letter, Russell addressed several key issues, including the handling of fines, which impact not only affluent drivers but also those with tighter budgets. He expressed disappointment at the FIA's silence on these matters and the need for clearer communication regarding the reinvestment of fine revenue, an area that many drivers feel merits scrutiny. Russell's call for the FIA to treat drivers with greater maturity and to reconsider its tone reflects broader discontent within the paddock, as he reiterated the promise made during Ben Sulayem's election in 2021 regarding transparency in financial matters.