Russell provides solution to ‘ridiculous’ F1 concern

George Russell has suggested driver and team fines should go towards funding a permanent team of F1 stewards.

Stewarding in the sport has been a hot topic of debate at recent events following a series on on-track incidents between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

F1's stewarding set-up has an extended pool of names that are used in rotation throughout the year with no permanent figure in place.

However, Russell asserted forming a permanent team could put to bed a number of concerns the drivers currently have with inconsistent decision-making.

“They are governing the sport, and we need to have the best in the business” Russell told media including RacingNews365. 

“It’s the same way as you've got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best designers, we're at a point now where you need to have the best stewarding. 

“Not only from the driving standpoint, but on the technical side as well. I do appreciate it’s not easy, and that it needs financing from somewhere.”

The GPDA recently issued a public statement in which it called for transparency over where the fines are allocated.

Russell theorised the money that is handed over in fines for minor incidents during a race weekend could be used towards steward salaries.

The Mercedes driver suggested the drivers would be less inquisitive over the topic if it knew the destination of the fine money.

“Collectively, from the drivers and the GPDA, we have asked about the financial fines and where they are going” Russell said. 

“We have been asking for a bit of transparency on this front,” Russell said. 

“It does seem a little bit ridiculous that if a driver gets a 50 grand fine for walking over a race track.

“But if that 50 grand fine is going towards financing the best stewards in the world, maybe we won’t be so upset about it.”