Russell expands on F1 driver statement in fresh FIA plea

George Russell has further explained the joint statement F1 drivers that was released on social media earlier this month.

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) addressed a number of topics in its statement, including a message to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to “consider his own tone and language”.

It also called for transparency regarding the allocation of driver fines and also took aim at the clampdown on swearing.

The statement was released two weeks ago, shortly after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix - however the GPDA has not yet had a response from the FIA.

“Not at the moment, [which I am] a little bit surprised about, to be fair, but maybe there'll be something to come. Who knows.”

Russell has called on the FIA to release where it allocated driver fines, outlining the hope for it to be reinvested in the grassroots of motorsport.

“Ultimately for us when we were hearing from the FIA a couple of years ago when it came to presidential elections, they were talking about transparency, talking about where the money is going to be reinvested into grassroots racing of which we're all in favour for. 

“And of course, when it comes to some of these large fines, there are a number of drivers on the grid who can comfortably afford these fines. 

“There are maybe some rookies on the grid, that if they're handed a $1 million fine, they can't afford this. 

“But if we know where that's been reinvested, and if it's going into grassroots or into some training programs... we just want the transparency and understanding of what was promised from the beginning.”

Russell highlights F1 driver 'U-turn' desire

Russell has stated F1 drivers are keen to undergo a “U-turn” on a number of topics and insisted it is not difficult to get the FIA president to listen.

However, Russell suggested the seriousness of the drivers' feelings have not yet been fully realised by the governing body.

“It’s definitely not difficult to get a sit-down, but I think getting things to change or promises upheld, seems slightly more challenging.

“Maybe the FIA or the president didn't recognise how seriously we all felt.

“That's why over the course of 20 races this year, and even last year, we spoke about a number of topics, all of the drivers, we all feel pretty similar.

“We all know what we want from the sport and the direction it's been heading. We probably feel that we want to do a small U-turn on a number of topics, and just want to work together with the FIA on this.

“That's what we've felt has not been happening at all, at least directly from the president.”