George Russell criticises 'ludicrous' FIA swearing rules after fresh changes

George Russell has criticised the FIA for its initial "ludicrous" changes to Appendix B of the International Sporting Code (ISC), following the announcement that adjustments would be made to weaken a breach of them.

Appendix B of the ISC covers the rules against drivers swearing, which were heightened ahead of the season. 

The FIA had substantially increased the punishment a driver would face for swearing, which included fines and a potential race ban.

It triggered outrage from the drivers, with motorsport's governing body having now reduced the severity of a breach of Appendix B. 

Possible fines have been reduced by 50%, whilst the stewards can suspend the penalty for a first offence. 

Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, remains frustrated that the rules against drivers swearing was altered in the first place.

When asked by RacingNews365 for his thoughts on the changes to Appendix B, Russell replied: "Well, I feel the [initial] changes should have never happened in the first place. 

"So we're talking about a situation where things have been reverted, because it was a little bit ludicrous in the first place. Of course, we're happy to see things go back to how they should be, but it should never have been there in the first place, if that makes sense. 

"So it feels a bit wrong to be thanking the changes, when we shouldn't have been in that place to begin with. 

"So yeah, it's a bit of a strange predicament, and we've still had no correspondence with anyone from senior level FIA. So yeah, it's all a bit suspect."

No FIA dialogue

When FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced that changes to Appendix B were being considered, it was outlined that drivers in all seven FIA world championships had been heard.

However, as highlighted by Russell, discussions are yet to take place with Ben Sulayem. Remarkably, the FIA president and the drivers are often in the same paddock, yet creating dialog remains a challenge.

"Yeah, that's a good question," said Russell, following a question over why the drivers cannot meet the FIA president at a grand prix, given most are attended by him.

"It seems more challenging than it should be really. But we've all put our views forward, I wouldn't say it's gotten to a point of no return, but you at least want to see willingness from the other party.

"I think we feel we've put in our views forward, and we want to have conversations and dialogue, and there's only so much you can ask. So, yeah, it's got to be mutual. It's got to come from both directions."