FIA Rule Change: George Russell Demands Action

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's comments on rule changes don't go far enough for George Russell, who demands tangible action.

George Russell called for tangible action from the FIA, criticizing President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's response to potential rule changes regarding driver conduct as insufficient. Ben Sulayem had indicated he was open to “improvements” to the sporting code in response to driver feedback.

Russell emphasized that drivers want concrete changes rather than just words. The FIA's consideration of rule adjustments comes after drivers expressed concerns over inconsistent penalties, including those for swearing and other forms of misconduct.

George Russell emphasized that drivers want concrete action rather than just words from the FIA. When asked about FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's comments on potentially revising the rules regarding driver conduct, Russell said, “Conceptually, yes,” but added that the drivers want to see tangible changes.

Russell stressed that until the changes are implemented, the words mean nothing. As a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, he emphasized that drivers are clear about wanting changes and will comment once the rules are revised. The current consideration by the FIA is seen as insufficient without concrete action.

Appendix B of the FIA's International Sporting Code outlines guidelines for stewards' penalties, including punishments for misconduct such as words, actions, or writings that could harm the FIA's or motorsport's reputation. In Formula 1, drivers face fines of €40,000 for a first offense, €80,000 for a second, and €120,000 plus a one-month suspension and championship points deduction for a third breach.

🗣️ "We’re clear we want changes and once they are implemented then we’ll comment on it."

George Russell's response to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's suggestion that the controversial new guidelines introduced to help police driver conduct could be changed: pic.twitter.com/J5RLjVdoRJ

— The Race (@wearetherace) May 1, 2025

George Russell hopes for changes to these rules, stating, “It'll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard.” As a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, he believes it's in the sport's best interest to apply common sense to these situations, adding, ”And I think it's just in the best interest for the sport and ensuring that some common sense is sort of applied to these situations.” This call for reform comes as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's term is set to expire, and he is expected to seek re-election.

George Russell emphasized that drivers can only truly comment on the FIA's actions once concrete steps are taken. “But as I said, I think all of us can comment on it when we see the action being taken, rather than just the consideration,” he said.

Russell noted that the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), which he serves as a director, was originally formed to discuss safety matters rather than politics. However, he acknowledged that the GPDA is increasingly addressing other topics beyond safety.

“We find ourselves in a time where we're not focused on the things why we're all here,” he added.

“We're here to go racing, we're here to create the best show for the fans, to have the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering, and yet we talk about fines and punishments and swearing.”