F1 News
Russell wants dialogue with FIA over controversial rule: 'Our point is clear'
George Russell expects talks to take place between the Formula One drivers and the FIA during the Grand Prix weekend scheduled in Melbourne, over the much-discussed rule change regarding the use of inappropriate language in the series. So far, however, there's been no contact between the governing body and the GPDA on the issue.
Two press sessions were scheduled for Russell on Thursday in Australia: the first took place in an intimate setting away from the circuit, on Melbourne's beautiful coast while enjoying a fully catered breakfast. Later in the afternoon, the regular press event took place in the paddock at Albert Park. The two media sessions touched on the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association, ed.) both in relation to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's contract extension and on the FIA's so-called 'swearing ban'.
Russell seeks dialogue with FIA
Asked by GPblog if the GPDA had received word from the FIA, Russell replied: "There's been no contact from anybody. I expect there to be a few conversations this weekend, and I think we made it clear we just wanna have an open dialogue with the FIA as simple as that, really. Enough has been said already in the past about this, and it shouldn't really be given any more airtime, in my opinion. Let's focus on more exciting things," said the Mercedes driver firmly.
The 27-year-old Briton, though, is happy that Domenicali is continuing in his role, especially from the GPDA's perspective. "We're all really happy to see Stefano continuing because the sport has gone from strength to strength since Stefano has been at the helm, and he's a guy who never is complacent. He's always looking for more, and he recognizes the sport is at its peak currently or it's at the highest point it's ever been, but he still believes there's a long way to go. And you gotta keep on pursuing more," he says.
Russell sees Domenicali getting wide support from the drivers, as the Formula One chief includes them in the dialogue. "I can't speak for all the drivers, but I do believe everybody supports Stefano, believes in his leadership. He's very transparent, and he's very open to engaging with all of the drivers. And that's what we wanna see from the people running the sport," Russell concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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