Today at 08:20
George Russell insists F1 drivers "don't want to fight against the
FIA" amid a period of relative animosity between the Grand Prix
Drivers' Association (GPDA) and the motorsport governing body. The
two entities have been at odds over several issues in recent years,
with the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, proving to be
a polarising figure. Having succeeded Jean Todt at the helm of the
organisation in late 2021, the Emirati has endured a fraught
relationship with F1's drivers and the GPDA. Last year, his use of
the media as a mouthpiece to advance his views and some of the
policies he was advocating proved controversial. It culminated in
the drivers' union publishing an open letter calling for more
transparency and to be treated as adults, as Ben Sulayem sought to
advance a swearing ban. He replied by saying it was "none of their
business." The hostile atmosphere returned early this season with
the introduction of the contentious stewards' penalty guidelines,
which included harsh financial and sporting punishments for
offensive language and even speaking out against the FIA. Whilst
that framework has been subsequently diluted, Ben Sulayem's prior
response led drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, to call for a seat
at the decision-making table, something Russell would seemingly
endorse. "I know different sports have different set-ups, and
ultimately, at least from my personal standpoint - not one of GPDA
- you just want to collectively work with those around you to get
the best for everyone," Russell told Autosport . "We don't want to
fight against the FIA. We don't want to fight against F1; you want
to work together with them, to get the most for them as a sport,
the most for them as a regulatory body, and then the most for us as
drivers. "You want to rise together and fall together. How do you
achieve that? That's another thing." Steps in the right direction
However, Russell does believe there have been positive developments
in relations between the FIA and F1's drivers. The four-time grand
prix winner cited the hiring of current race director Rui Marques
and FIA sporting director Tim Malyon. "It's been very refreshing
having Rui Marques on board as race director," the Mercedes driver
explained. "I feel he and Tim Malyon have been exceptionally
receptive. "They listen and they react, and I think collectively,
we're all substantially happier now with where we are."
