George Russell has become embroiled in Formula One politics (Image: Getty)
has admitted that he signed up to become director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association to “get my hands dirty” over sporting and safety issues. However, the driver claims that he never expected to become embroiled in political warfare with the FIA.
Russell became a director of the GDPA in 2021, initially alongside Sebastian Vettel. His tenure has included a fiery letter sent by the association to the FIA to “put pressure” on the governing body.
Matters of compliance are now set to be raised with Ben Sulayem and the president of the FIA senate after changes were voted through at the FIA general assembly in early December.
But Russell insists he never realised how much politics his role would involve. He said: “When I signed up in my role as GPDA [director], I never expected to have so much on my hands and for it to be so political.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“I don’t really understand any of this side of the sport. And it was more from a sporting perspective and safety perspective that I wanted to get my hands dirty with.
“Whereas, now, it seems all we’re talking about is the politics of the sport. I don’t want to comment too much on it (the FIA’s compliance system changes) because I’m not educated enough to make those assumptions.
“But I think what it’s raised [is that] all the drives are united, that solely we want the best for the sport. We want transparency. And we want to help the FIA and as simple as that.”
The GDPA published an open letter calling on the FIA to treat drivers “as adults” after and Charles Leclerc were punished for swearing in news conferences. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also tried to enforce rules on wearing the correct underwear and forbidding drivers from sporting jewellery.
George Russell has taken aim at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem this year (Image: Getty)
“There are a number of drivers who feel a bit fed up with the whole situation and it only seems to be going to a degree in the wrong direction,” Russell said in November.
“Talking as a fellow driver as opposed to my role with the GPDA, everybody felt with certain things that have happened that we wanted to stand united.
“At the end of the day we just want to be transparent with the FIA and have this dialogue. And the departure of Niels is a prime example of not being part of these conversations. [The letter] is kind of us putting the pressure back on them.”