01/05/2025 21:40
George Russell has brushed off the significance of FIA president
Mohammed Ben Sulayem's message regarding changes to how instances
of driver misconduct are handled. Ben Sulayem stated earlier this
week that he was considering alterations to the section of the
international sporting code that has clamped down on drivers being
allowed to swear penalty-free. The regulation covers all FIA
competitions and led to a media boycott from World Rally
Championship drivers earlier this year after a competitor was fined
for swearing in an interview. While Ben Sulayem's latest statement
on the subject indicated the potential for leniency going forward,
Russell is unconvinced by the vagueness of the president's comment.
"Conceptually, yes - but we want to see these things put into
action rather than saying 'we're considering things'," Russell told
media including RacingNews365 when asked if it is a step in the
right direction. "We all consider a lot of things. We're clear, we
want changes and once they are implemented, then we'll comment on
it. "For the time being, it's being considered so the words don't
mean anything until the change has been made." George Russell keen
to see 'common sense' from FIA The grand prix drivers' association
(GPDA) released a statement late last year in which it questioned
the clampdown on swearing. It also called for transparency over
where the money from driver fines are allocated. Russell stated it
has not had any official response from the FIA since the letter was
published, as he called for "common sense" to take charge.
"Collectively, we've not spoken any further since the open letter
that was sent out," Russell said. "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. "It's just in the best
interest of the sport and ensuring that some common sense is
applied to these situations. "All of us, we can comment on it when
we can see the action being taken rather than just the
consideration."
