FIA accused of heading in ‘unstable direction’ after latest shock exit

George Russell has warned the FIA is heading in an “unstable direction” following the resignation of Robert Reid.

Reid, who held the role of deputy president of sport, announced on Thursday that he is stepping away from his position.

The Briton pointed to a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards” as he took aim at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Russell has confirmed Reid has been in contact with the drivers over his decision to step down.

“He did reach out, he sent a letter to the drivers just explaining his decision,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. 

“We've yet to talk with him, obviously it was news to us this morning.

“Ultimately, it’s getting to a point now where these things are happening so often. 

“As drivers, we were trying to get involved in the past, it didn't really make much headroom and things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction.

“So I got to be honest, we’re getting it to a point now where we've got to trust the teams and F1 to work with the FIA to come to a common ground. I we can help, we want to be there. 

“But often it just seems like things are going in their own direction.”

Other major exits from the FIA over the last year include ex-CEO Natalie Robyn and F1 race director Niels Wittich, who was ousted shortly before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Russell repeated his wish for increased stability following the latest departure from the governing body.

“I think every time we hear some news from that side of the sport, it's not really a big surprise,” he said.

“So it's clearly a real shame to see in somebody who's very well respected within the sport and been there for so long.

“As we keep saying, it's like 'what's next?' So yes, it's a shame to see, and hopefully we get more stability sooner or later.”