F1 drivers express frustration with FIA leadership, citing poor communication and lack of trust compared to previous standards.
George Russell stated that Formula 1 drivers are “a bit fed up” with the leadership of the sport’s governing body, the FIA.
Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), revealed that the drivers “were not informed” about the decision to remove race director Niels Wittich from his role three races before the end of the season.
“There are a number of drivers who are a bit tired of this whole situation, and it seems like it’s heading in a certain direction.”
Russell made it clear he was specifically referring to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
He noted that it is “not difficult” to have a meeting with Ben Sulayem, but “delivering on promises is another matter.”
Russell’s comments come during a turbulent period in the relationship between the drivers and the FIA.
Since the last race in Brazil, the GPDA issued an open letter urging the FIA to treat them “like adults” following a controversy over drivers swearing during press conferences.
The letter also highlighted a lack of transparency regarding how fines were being used. Has there been any response from the FIA?
“No. Not at the moment, which surprises me a bit, but maybe something will come. Who knows.”
Wittich’s departure occurred a few days later, and shortly after, it emerged that FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri had also been dismissed.
“As a driver, separate from my role within the GPDA, everyone felt that we wanted to stand united on certain issues that have come up.”
“Ultimately, we simply want transparency with the FIA and to maintain this dialogue.”
“And Niels’ departure is a prime example of where we are falling short in terms of communication. The letter is, in a way, our method of applying pressure back on them.”
Russell admitted that drivers were not entirely satisfied with some aspects of Wittich’s work since he became race director at the start of the 2022 season. The German has been replaced by former Formula 2 and Formula 3 race director Rui Marques for the final three races of the season, starting this weekend in Las Vegas.
“It’s no secret that some were unhappy with what was happening in terms of decisions being made, but he worked with us, and we could have helped improve the situation.”
“Sometimes simply hiring and firing is not the solution. Let’s see what this new era brings, but every time you make a change, you need to take a step back before taking two steps forward.”
Russell conceded that the FIA is “clearly not the most stable organization.”
“We recognize that everyone is working as hard as they can to do the best job possible. There are obviously frequent changes within the FIA, so it’s clearly not the most stable environment. Perhaps that’s why it has been somewhat challenging to implement some of the changes we’ve wanted to see.”
“Of course, everyone has their own version of their story. As I said, I think if we feel we are being heard and some of the changes we are asking for are implemented—because ultimately, we’re doing this solely for the good of the sport—then maybe our trust will grow.”
Asked for his thoughts as well, Lando Norris was brief: “I don’t know what’s going on over there. Obviously, things aren’t going as well as we’d like.”
Kevin Magnussen echoed Russell’s comments, stating that the drivers feel ignored compared to the era of former FIA F1 director Charlie Whiting, who passed away on the eve of the 2019 season.
“I compare it to the time of Charlie Whiting. He was someone we really felt connected to, and we were genuinely listened to. Now, it feels more like us against them, when there should be a closer connection. We can help a lot.”
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Magnussen: Drivers Feel Ignored Since Whiting’s Era Magnussen: Drivers Feel Ignored Since Whiting’s Era
