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Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Exclusive: The "sickening" moments pushing George Russell not to stay silent over F1 safety
Halfway through his seventh season in Formula 1, George Russell has become a stalwart of Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton's heir, but the 27-year-old has also firmly established himself off the track. Russell has become one of the most outspoken drivers on the grid, never shunning tough questions on the bigger picture, whether the focus is on safety or the direction the championship's governing body the FIA is taking. Russell joined the F1 drivers' association GPDA entering his third season in 2021, when he was still driving for Williams. At the time the Briton replaced outgoing Romain Grosjean, and after Sebastian Vettel's retirement the following year Russell was the only active driver in the association until Williams man Carlos Sainz joined him earlier this year. Russell and Sainz work alongside chairman and former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, as well as legal representative Anastasia Fowle. The GPDA has played a crucial role in campaigning for safety over the years, including a big push behind the halo cockpit protection device that initially faced plenty of criticism from teams and fans. Speaking to Russell has explained why his role at the GPDA to advance safety is so close to his heart, and how several horrific accidents have crystallised his desire to leave motorsport in a better place than he found it. "I'm not chasing to leave any legacy. That's never been the intention. It's just that if I see an opportunity to improve something, I want to speak about it, especially if it comes to track safety or car safety," Russell explained. "In 2012 I was team-mates with Billy Monger [who lost his legs in a British F4 crash in 2017] and had a close relationship with him. Seeing that crash live, and then watching Anthoine [Hubert]'s crash [at Spa 2019 in F2], I was watching that live. It was sickening to watch. "When you experience things like this with people who you know so well, and you believe you have ideas that can help improve the safety or prevent that from happening, then you naturally want to share it. Fire marshals deal with the flames and a medical delegate assists Romain Grosjean, Haas F1, after a huge crash on the opening lap "Again, Romain Grosjean's crash [in Bahrain 2020], I saw that. He was in front of me and I passed him, and I still see the image in my head now. I looked in my mirror, and all I could see was flames. It took over my whole mirror. "That could have happened to anyone. It could have happened to the greatest driver in the world. That's just the danger we face. So, I think that's probably why I wanted to be more involved than not." Since first joining the GPDA aged 23, Russell says the current crop of drivers has become more unified as F1 has seen significant growth and change in the Drive to Survive era. "As a group we are probably closer and more united than ever," he added. "At least during my seven years of F1 It really feels like we've grown closer and share a similar view upon things and obviously, so much has changed. "Everything that's happened to the sport commercially, with the likes of Netflix and being exposed to so much more as athletes and individuals, so much has changed on the sporting and technical side, the changes in '22 and the problems we all faced in '22 with porpoising. It's given the drivers topics of conversation that we want to sort of tackle together." "We don't want to fight against the FIA" Russell has been critical in the past of what the drivers felt was FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem's lack of transparency and dialogue, with the GPDA penning an open letter last November urging the FIA leader to "treat them like adults" amid a draconic swearing ban, which the governing body has since watered down. In response to the drivers' letter Ben Sulayem said how he runs the FIA was "none of their business", which prompted calls from Hamilton to look into having an actual "power seat" at the table, as is the case in other global sports and series. George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA Speaking on his own behalf, Russell said it is key for the drivers, F1 and FIA to work together harmoniously, however it manages to get there. "I know different sports have different set-ups, and ultimately, at least from my personal standpoint - not one of GPDA - you just want to collectively work with those around you to get the best for everyone," he said. "We don't want to fight against the FIA. We don't want to fight against F1, you want to work together with them, to get the most for them as a sport, the most for them as a regulatory body, and then the most for us as drivers. You want to rise together and fall together. How do you achieve that? That's another thing. "It's been very refreshing having Rui Marques on board as race director. I feel he and [FIA sporting director] Tim Malyon have been exceptionally receptive. They listen and they react, and I think collectively, we're all substantially happier now with where we are." Read Also: Toto Wolff: George Russell was 'stronger driver' than Lewis Hamilton in F1 2024 Russell's willingness to voice his opinions has also seen him catch plenty of criticism, much like McLaren driver Lando Norris' openness about mental health which has been used as ammunition to snipe him with. "Yeah, for sure," he nodded, before carefully considering his answer. "The only way you could keep everybody happy or by having no negativity towards you, is by saying nothing, because everybody will forever have a view. Everybody will share it. "You get to a point where you don't even look at it or read it, because everyone's got a different opinion. Everyone's open to their view. But it's not something that really concerns me at all, to be honest. I don't look, so it doesn't bother me." To read more articles visit our website.
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
FIA President Responds to 'Failure in Leadership' Allegations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hit back at claims by his presidential opponent Tim Mayer, who remains the sole challenger to the seat. Mayer pointed out Ben Sulayem's "failure in leadership" and called his term a "reign of terror." Ben Sulayem took over as president of Formula One's governing body, the FIA, in 2021. In the last two years, Ben Sulayem has faced considerable opposition from teams and drivers, who mostly seek transparency. The 2024 season saw drivers uniting against Ben Sulayem through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), seeking consistency in the regulations. The GPDA also requested that drivers not be policed in matters such as their appearance and swearing on camera. Ben Sulayem faces American candidate Mayer in the upcoming presidential elections, who is a former FIA steward and commission member and the son of former McLaren team principal Teddy Mayer. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, declared he was running for FIA president ahead of last weekend's British Grand Prix. Raising serious questions about the way Ben Sulayem has been running the FIA, he said in a press conference: "Those people work very hard. They deserve leadership that provides them with tools, with a vision, with resources and more than anything else does not have a reign of terror every time they walk into the office." Now, Ben Sulayem has reacted to the allegation, suggesting that Mayer was out of touch with ground reality. He said: "I just laughed. I actually had a smile. I said whoever is saying this, they are disconnected with the FIA. Honestly. "You go to the FIA and just enter and see. Sit with them, tell them it's just between you and them, and ask them the question. I think maybe he's confusing the period." Mayer also alleged that Ben Sulayem was bypassing the existing framework to run the organization his way. He said: "Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent." The statement comes in the wake of several high-profile exits from the FIA since last year, which led many F1 drivers to voice their concerns. However, Ben Sulayem defended himself, claiming he had never spoken against anyone. He said: "Have you ever read any article where I said negatively about a single person? That's not me." Addressing the elections and comparing them to a race, Ben Sulayem added: "It's like putting your helmet and gloves back on. Really it reminds me of competitions, and competition is always good. "We have such clear guidelines that now you cannot fiddle around with anything and that will never happen, not in my reign."
CNA
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Russell welcomes 'useful step' by FIA on penalty guidelines
Mercedes driver George Russell on Thursday welcomed a move by Formula One's governing body to publish penalty guidelines ahead of an Austrian Grand Prix where Red Bull's Max Verstappen remains at risk of a race ban. The FIA said it had decided, in the interests of transparency, to release key documents created to assist stewards in making fair and consistent decisions when applying the rules. Although the documents have no regulatory value, and stewards make their decisions independently of the FIA based on applicable regulations, the guidelines recommend appropriate penalties for some 100 common infringements. "Greater transparency within the governance of our sport is an important issue and this is a useful step in that direction," said Mercedes' Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA). "Hopefully it will be beneficial for the sport to give the media and fans a clearer understanding of the rules of engagement when we're racing on track, and to help them understand how the stewards reach their decisions." Russell has been critical of a perceived lack of transparency within the FIA, run by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and of the governing body's failure to engage with drivers. He has also been involved in several clashes with Red Bull's four-times world champion Verstappen, who is racing at his team's home circuit this weekend. One incident at the Spanish Grand Prix saw Verstappen punished for driving into the Briton's car and handed three penalty points, taking his tally to 11 in a 12-month period. Twelve points trigger an automatic race ban and Verstappen will not shed any points until after Austria, when he will go down to nine. Ben Sulayem pointed out in a statement that stewards performed their jobs voluntarily but their dedication "is all too often met with extreme and wholly unwarranted criticism. "To demonstrate the rigour with which they pursue their role, we are today publishing the Penalty and Driving Standards Guidelines that assist them with their decisions. "This will give fans and members of the media a much deeper and more accurate insight into how decisions are made in Formula One," he added. The FIA said the latest version of the driving standards guidelines was drafted at the Qatar Grand Prix last November and further refinements would be made in consultation with drivers and teams. The guidelines list the different ways in which drivers can be handed penalty points up to a maximum of five for ignoring a black flag (disqualification) or black and orange flag (return to pits due to car being in an unsafe condition). They also advise on the rules for overtaking on the inside and outside of corners and when drivers must give back position if gaining a lasting advantage by leaving the track.
Reuters
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Russell welcomes 'useful step' by FIA on penalty guidelines
June 26 (Reuters) - Mercedes driver George Russell on Thursday welcomed a move by Formula One's governing body to publish penalty guidelines ahead of an Austrian Grand Prix where Red Bull's Max Verstappen remains at risk of a race ban. The FIA said it had decided, in the interests of transparency, to release key documents, opens new tab created to assist stewards in making fair and consistent decisions when applying the rules. Although the documents have no regulatory value, and stewards make their decisions independently of the FIA based on applicable regulations, the guidelines recommend appropriate penalties for some 100 common infringements. "Greater transparency within the governance of our sport is an important issue and this is a useful step in that direction," said Mercedes' Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA). "Hopefully it will be beneficial for the sport to give the media and fans a clearer understanding of the rules of engagement when we're racing on track, and to help them understand how the stewards reach their decisions." Russell has been critical of a perceived lack of transparency within the FIA, run by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and of the governing body's failure to engage with drivers. He has also been involved in several clashes with Red Bull's four-times world champion Verstappen, who is racing at his team's home circuit this weekend. One incident at the Spanish Grand Prix saw Verstappen punished for driving into the Briton's car and handed three penalty points, taking his tally to 11 in a 12-month period. Twelve points trigger an automatic race ban and Verstappen will not shed any points until after Austria, when he will go down to nine. Ben Sulayem pointed out in a statement that stewards performed their jobs voluntarily but their dedication "is all too often met with extreme and wholly unwarranted criticism. "To demonstrate the rigour with which they pursue their role, we are today publishing the Penalty and Driving Standards Guidelines that assist them with their decisions. "This will give fans and members of the media a much deeper and more accurate insight into how decisions are made in Formula One," he added. The FIA said the latest version of the driving standards guidelines was drafted at the Qatar Grand Prix last November and further refinements would be made in consultation with drivers and teams. The guidelines list the different ways in which drivers can be handed penalty points up to a maximum of five for ignoring a black flag (disqualification) or black and orange flag (return to pits due to car being in an unsafe condition). They also advise on the rules for overtaking on the inside and outside of corners and when drivers must give back position if gaining a lasting advantage by leaving the track.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Drivers 'too nice' when asked about Monaco changes
Fernando Alonso says Formula 1 drivers are "too nice" in politely fielding questions about whether the Monaco Grand Prix needs drivers have criticised the rule change that was introduced for the event last weekend that required drivers to make two pit stops at Aston Martin driver, a two-time world champion and double winner in Monaco, said: "There is this constant talk of how bad is something, instead of how good is something."This is Monaco. Maybe there is a couple of ideas between all involved in the sport we can think of for Monaco, but I don't think there is any need to think of anything."It is only because there is a lot of content now to be created and drivers we are too nice so we answer to every question."If 40 years ago you ask (Ayrton) Senna and (Alain) Prost about Monaco after one week and they are fighting for the championship, they will be less polite than we are."Alonso, the most experienced driver in F1 history, said that in Monaco "you see one overtake every 10 years".He added: "I am always a little bit surprised about the negative comments from Monaco on Monday."Don't worry next year we will go to Monaco and on Wednesday we will be so excited, and on Friday we all say it's the best track of the season and we all want to win Monaco, and then on Saturday we are all super-excited and the adrenalin on those laps is unique. And then on Sunday we will be disappointed once again. It is what it is."Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alex Wurz posted on Instagram this week some changes to the track , externalhe believed could make racing better there, including moving the harbour front chicane and reprofiling the Loews and Rascasse corners a driver George Russell, a director of the GPDA, said the changes "would definitely not make it worse, but added: "Monaco has always been the same. I don't have the answer. Part of me thinks we should just accept Monaco for what it is."F1 is better for having Monaco on the calendar. Qualifying is exciting, the race is boring but it makes us appreciate some of the other races."Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who won in Monaco in 2024 and was second this season, said: "Do we need to make absolutely every possible effort to make it better on the Sunday? Definitely. "But Monaco has always been like that. Monaco has always been the kind of race where the Sunday not much is happening or a lot less compared to other races. "The qualifying in Monaco is unbelievable, and that's what makes Monaco so special." Will wing change make a difference? F1 introduces stiffer tests on front wing flexibility at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, aimed at preventing teams deliberately exploiting wing flex to enhance front wings helps teams balance the cars between high speed and low-speed corners and Red Bull have been hoping these could hamper McLaren driver Lando Norris, who won in Monaco on Sunday, said his team were not worried about them."No, not at all," Norris said. There are little tweaks here and there but nothing that will change how we have to do anything."Oscar Piastri added: "I've not run the front wing, but Lando's already run the front wing before this year, so we're confident. "That's not our magic bullet. We don't have a magic bullet, but that's not our main strength."Norris trails his team-mate Piastri by three points in the championship and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is a further 22 said of the wing changes: "More has to happen for our side to have proper success. All will be a little impacted, some a little more than others, but it is not going to change the world."
