George Russell confesses F1 drivers’ association role too ‘political’ than expected
George Russell revealed the unexpected intricacies that he has faced ever since becoming the GPDA director.
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George Russell (Via: Imago)
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association(GPDA) scrutinized the FIA over its work this year in a shocking turn of events. Such public condemnation from the organization against the governing body was the first of its kind. On the other hand, GPDA director George Russell revealed that he was caught off guard by the political role that the GPDA demanded from him amidst such cases.
George Russell is the only active member of the GPDA that participates in the Grand Prix weekends. This makes his role more important as he appears as the representative for the rest of the drivers in various circumstances. This year was particularly labeled with such challenges as the GPDA took to social media to urge a change in the FIA and make their voices heard.
Such political advancements were not expected by Russell when he initially joined the organization. Back in the day, the GPDA remained relatively neutral and did not soar in the F1 headlines. However, reflecting on his time as the director, the Mercedes driver admitted that the role he signed up for was too political.
When I signed up in my role as GPDA [director], I never expected to have so much on my hands and for it to be so political. I don’t really understand any of this side of the sport. And it was more from a sporting perspective and safety perspective that I wanted to get my hands dirty with. Whereas, now, it seems all we’re talking about is the politics of the sport.
George Russell said (via Autosport)
On the other hand, fans have also sided with the drivers on the current clampdown on swearing by the FIA. Receiving such mass support from the F1 fandom has raised questions about the presidency of the FIA. But, there has been no change in the behavior of the governing body in regulating F1’s matters.
George Russell continues his condemnation of the FIA
Despite the 26-year-old confessing that his role as the director is too political, it did not stop him from condemning what’s wrong in the sport. He doubled down on his criticism and expressed his discontent with the FIA.
Russell lashed out at the way the FIA was headed by Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The Emirati has been at the receiving end of criticism since he became the president in 2021. Moreover, the census around him has never been against him at such a level that it reached in 2024.
I don’t really understand what all this change in governance regarding compliance means, what is the final goal? I think it would be great if we all understood what the FIA’s aims and objectives are. It would be beneficial if the president could clearly express his vision for the FIA to us, so that we might consider things from his perspective. And maybe from there, we would have a better understanding as well.
George Russell said (via Motors Inside)
However, Sulayem has remained ignorant of such grievances and recently passed controversial changes. This has been viewed with grim eyes in the paddock. Consequently, this would cause the distrust between F1 and FIA to grow even more by the start of the 2025 F1 season.
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Geetansh Pasricha
(742 Articles Published)