Russell: 'Things can't just be swept under the carpet'

George Russell has again called for more transparency in Formula 1 amid the latest development involving the FIA.

Susie Wolff, wife of Mercedes team principal Toto, confirmed on Wednesday evening that she had lodged a criminal complaint against the governing body.

Her objection stems from an investigation both she and Toto were placed under earlier this year after an alleged complaint from rivals over a conflict of interest in their roles.

The case, however, was dissolved after the Wolffs received unanimous support from the remaining nine F1 teams.

The FIA has been at the forefront of more than one controversy this year as after the Wolff situation, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was placed under investigation for alleged interference before being cleared.

When asked by media including RacingNews365 if Ben Sulayem is the right figure to lead the FIA, Russell responded: “As drivers, we have a role within the team that you trust that the leaders in this sport have the best interest at their heart rather than their own interests.

“It goes back to the transparency side of things.”

Russell seeking more transparency

Hamilton backed Susie Wolff for her complaint against the FIA, labelling her as “brave” for doing so.

Russell has previously voiced his desire for clearer transparency into investigative matters and declared that the situation reflects badly if there is no clarity.

“If things are transparent and we see the outcome of these cases, we all have a chance to judge for ourselves, with all of the facts and figures in front of us,” Russell said.

“But when we don't have the facts and figures and there is no transparency, you always think something is being hidden.

“That's why I think it's so important for the sport now to send the right message, to everybody who’s supporting Formula 1, watching Formula 1, wants to be involved in Formula 1, that things aren't just swept under the carpet.”