F1 News
Russell explains why GPDA launched attack on FIA president
George Russell said that all the drivers on the grid wanted to "stand united". hence the reason for the GDPA (Grand Prix Drivers Association) statement that launched a verbal attack on the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
In the two-week gap before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the GPDA released a statement in response to Ben Sulayem's comments swearing in the sport, resulting in a huge saga. The GDPA wanted the FIA president to "consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in public forum or otherwise", as well as saying "our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media about matters as trivial as wearing of jewellery and underpants."
Russell explains why GPDA made this statement
Russell, the leader of the GPDA for the drivers' on the grid, explained why a statement was made via Instagram. "We've probably learned from the past that whenever we have spoken up, let's say internally, it hasn't gone anywhere. As I said, as drivers, we only want the best for the sport, we want to improve it, especially on safety grounds, but whenever it comes to decisions in the race, we only want to help, and it's been a couple of years now that not much has changed when we have sort of given some views forward. And I guess we all wanted to show that we are collectively united and maybe that will show how seriously we feel as a whole on the subject.
"Talking as a fellow driver, as opposed to my role with the GPDA, I think everybody felt with certain things that have happened over the course of this year that we wanted to sort of stand united. At the end of the day we just want to be transparent with the FIA, and have this dialogue that is happening," the Mercedes driver continued.
Ben Sulayem's reaction to the GPDA's letter?
The Mercedes driver was then asked whether FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has already responded to the GPDA's statement, to which the Brit replied, "No, not at the moment, which I'm a little bit surprised about, to be fair, but, maybe there'll be something to come. Who knows?" Among other things, Ben Sulayem was asked in the letter to show transparency.
Russell was also clear when he asked why the GPDA had decided to create an Instagram account to publish the statement: "Times are changing and the fans are a huge part of this sport. If we're talking about openness and transparency and including everybody in this for the greater good, then having it on a social media platform makes perfect sense," the 26-year-old concluded.
This article was created in collaboration with Estéban den Toom
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!