George Russell gives ultimatum to FIA over $50,000 driver fines

George Russell gives ultimatum to FIA over $50,000 driver fines

George Russell (via IMAGO)

The F1 paddock has been riddled with controversies in the past few weeks. Max Verstappen‘s swearing penalty sparked tensions between drivers and the FIA. Now, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association Chief George Russell has voiced his opinions over the sports governing body’s recent actions.

The GPDA issued a statement recently, demanding that the FIA must treat drivers as adults. George Russell highlighted that they want more transparency over financial fines imposed by the sports governing body.

Collectively, from the drivers and the GPDA, we have asked about the financial fines and where they are going. We have been asking for a bit of transparency on this front.

George Russell said, as reported by RacingNews365

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Russell claimed that it is ridiculous to see a driver get fined $50,000 for walking on a race track. However, the Briton reckoned that drivers would not be as upset over such fines if this money is then used towards financing the best stewards for the sport. This comes at a time when consistency over race control decisions has become a topic of concern on the grid.

It does seem a little bit ridiculous that if a driver gets a 50 grand fine for walking over a race track. But if that 50 grand fine is going towards financing the best stewards in the world, maybe we won’t be so upset about it.

George Russell explained

George Russell insists F1 needs the best stewards

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. George Russell emphasized that the sport has the best drivers and engineers in the world. Thus, the Mercedes driver reckoned that F1 should even have the best stewarding possible. This would help ease tensions over controversial incidents during races, particularly between title contenders such as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen and George Russell (via MotorsportImages)
Max Verstappen and George Russell (via MotorsportImages)

It’s the same way as you’ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best designers, we’re at a point now where you need to have the best stewarding.

George Russell stated

Certainly, George Russell has expressed that drivers want transparency from race control. The current situation could create problems for the sport long term. It remains to be seen if FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem takes action on this issue before the end of the 2024 season.

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