George Russell says F1 drivers are “a bit fed up” with the FIA after a public statement calling out president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
After the last race in Brazil, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), asked Ben Sulayem to “think about his own tone and language” after taking a new oath, where Max Verstappen was given the same community service as F1 for using spelling during a press conference.
GPDA, which all 20 drivers F1 part and Russell director for, also expressed concerns about what fines are used for.
“We recognize everyone is working hard to do their best work,” Russell said ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1.
“Obviously there’s a lot of change in the FIA on a regular basis, so it’s obviously not the most stable place.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Max Verstappen is awaiting the FIA’s response to drivers’ concerns and was ‘surprised’ when he replaced the race director with three races to go.
“Of course, everyone has their own side to their own story. I think that we feel heard and some of the changes that we experience, ask for, do, because in the end we just do it. benefit from sports, then maybe our confidence will be add.
“However, I think there are some drivers who feel probably a bit fed up with the whole situation. And it just seems that they are going in, to a degree, the wrong direction.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Max Verstappen was part of a shocking press conference after qualifying in Singapore as he refused to fully answer questions after the swearing-in sentence.
Russell didn’t see the sacking race director coming
The GPDA letter is the first public statement from all 20 drivers since 2017 and before the significant changes in the FIA before Las Vegas.
Niels Wittich has stepped down as F1 race director after less than two years. But, Sky Sports News understood he was effectively fired.
FIA compliance officer Paolo Bassari was also sacked last week, the latest of several departures at the sporting body this year.
Russell said he was “unbeknownst” and “surprised” to see Wittich lose his role as race director.
“I can only speak on behalf of myself here rather than the other drivers, but it’s no secret that some people are not happy with what happened in terms of the decisions that were made,” he said.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Craig Slater takes a closer look at why Wittich stepped down as F1 race director, and who will replace him in this role.
“But, at the end of the day, I think if you work with us, we can help improve the problem. And I think sometimes just hiring and firing is not the solution.
“You have to work together to improve the problem. So, let’s see what this new era brings, but every time there is a change, you have to take one step back before you take two steps forward.”
Wittich was previously race director at German Touring Cars.
F2 and F3 race director Rui Marques has been named as a replacement for the final three races of the season.
The FIA has yet to respond to the GPDA letter, which Russell feels should be made public for the “greater good”.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
In an ‘unprecedented’ situation, all 20 F1 drivers criticized – through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association – FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in response to the new swearing saga. Sky Sports News approached the FIA for comment
“Speaking as a fellow driver rather than sorting out my role with the GPDA, I think everyone feels certain things have happened this year that we want to create unity,” said the Mercedes driver.
“At the end of the day, we just want to be transparent with the FIA and have this dialogue that happens, and I think Niels’ departure is also a prime example of not being part of that conversation.
“And, in the end, we just want to work with the FIA to do the best for the sport that we all love. So, I think now we are putting pressure again to work with us and work with everyone, including F1 as well, just to maximizing this opportunity, which is now in Formula 1, is a great time to be a part of.
Sky Sports F1 schedule live Las Vegas GP
Friday November 22nd
2am: Las Vegas GP Practice One
4.30: Team Leader’s Press Conference
5.45am: Las Vegas GP Practice Two*
07.15: F1 event*
Saturday 23 November
2.15 am: Las Vegas GP Practice Three*
5am: Las Vegas GP Qualifying Set-up*
6am: LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
8am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday 24 November
4.30: Grand Prix Sunday: Las Vegas GP build-up*
6am: THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX*
8am: Checkered Flag: Las Vegas GP Reaction*
9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 returns with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1 where Max Verstappen can score the championship. Stream the last three F1 races and more with Sports Month Membership NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
