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George Russell has hit out at the FIA’s handling of its swearing crackdown, calling the ongoing saga a “strange predicament” and insisting the harsh penalties “should never have happened”.
George Russell criticized the FIA’s handling of swearing crackdown, calling it a “strange predicament” and insisting the harsh penalties “should never have happened.” Russell remained critical, refusing to applaud recent tweaks to the rule made by the governing body.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem led a review of the International Sporting Code, resulting in reduced fines for swearing and allowing stewards to suspend penalties in certain cases, with input from the FIA Drivers’ Committee and Formula 1 Steward Chairs.
Russell expressed frustration with the FIA’s management of the situation ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, stating that the changes should never have occurred. He emphasized the need for proper communication between drivers and the FIA’s senior level.
Max Verstappen welcomed the revised ruling, mentioning that the initial penalties were too aggressive. Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton weighed in on the swearing saga, with Hamilton describing the entire situation as “a mess” and calling for necessary changes.
As a director of the GPDA, Russell, along with other drivers, had previously sent a letter to the FIA after the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, expressing their concerns. Russell highlighted the importance of mutual dialogue and willingness for constructive conversations between drivers and the governing body.
