Breaking: George Russell Responds to FIA President’s Sta….Read More
George Russell has dismissed the importance of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent remarks about potentially relaxing regulations surrounding driver conduct, particularly the issue of swearing during media interactions.
The current rules, part of the FIA’s international sporting code, prohibit offensive language across all FIA-sanctioned competitions. The regulation has stirred controversy this year, most notably in the World Rally Championship, where a driver was fined for using profanity in an interview. That incident led to a brief media boycott by several WRC competitors, highlighting growing tensions over the sport’s restrictions on free expression.
Earlier this week, Ben Sulayem hinted that the FIA is considering loosening these rules. He suggested that a more lenient stance on language used by drivers, particularly in the heat of the moment during interviews, could be introduced in the near future. However, he did not offer a specific timeline or details on how the changes might be implemented.
When asked about the potential shift in approach, Mercedes driver George Russell welcomed the idea in principle but was quick to express skepticism over the lack of concrete action. Speaking to reporters including those from RacingNews365, Russell emphasized the need for real policy changes rather than vague promises.
“Conceptually, yes – it sounds good,” Russell said when asked if the FIA’s reconsideration was a positive step. “But we want to see these things actually happen rather than just being told they’re ‘under consideration.’”
Russell, who also serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), highlighted that drivers have already voiced their desire for more clarity and flexibility in the rules. “We all consider a lot of things,” he continued. “We’re clear – we want changes. And once those changes are implemented, then we’ll give our feedback and react accordingly.”
For now, Russell feels that Ben Sulayem’s comments lack substance. “It’s being considered, so the words don’t mean anything until the change has been made,” he added, underlining the broader frustration among drivers about the FIA’s communication and decision-making process.
The remarks from Russell echo a wider sentiment in the F1 paddock that the FIA needs to be more proactive and transparent in addressing concerns raised by drivers and teams. While the possibility of relaxing the swearing rule may seem like a minor adjustment, it reflects broader questions about the governing body’s responsiveness and flexibility in managing modern motorsport dynamics.
Until official revisions to the sporting code are confirmed and enacted, Russell and many others remain cautiously indifferent to verbal assurances from the FIA president.
