Russell reacts to FIA chaos: "Not really a big surprise"

Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has conceded the resignation of yet another senior FIA staff member is "not really a big surprise".

Deputy president for sport Robert Reid has departed his post, following a host of others in the past 18 months as scrutiny over the Mohammed Ben Sulayem's presidency ensues.

The resignation comes in the wake of two open letters from Motorsport UK chairman David Richards taking aim at how the motorsport governing body is being run, with Ben Sulayem set to stand unopposed in December's election.

Speaking ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Russell - who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association - said: "Unfortunately, I think every time we hear some news from that side of the sport, it's not really a big surprise.

"So it's clearly a shame to see and somebody's who's very well respected within the sport and been there for so long - as we keep saying, it's like what's next? So yes, it's a shame to see and hopefully we get more stability sooner than later."

"These things are happening so often"

"He did reach out - he sent a letter to the drivers just explaining his decision," added Russell.

"We've yet to talk with him, obviously it was news to us this morning - that's at least when I found out the news and it was sort of shared among the drivers. Ultimately, it is getting to a point now where these things are happening so often.

"As drivers, we were trying to get involved in the past - didn't really make much headroom and things seemed to continuously be going in an unstable direction.

"So I've got to be honest, we are getting to the point where our actions are having little impact with those guys and we've got to trust the teams and Formula 1 to work with the FIA to come to a common ground. If we can help... we want to be there but often, it seems like things are going in their own direction."

The FIA has come under fire from drivers, teams and fans alike for a clampdown on a number of issues, including swearing when speaking to the press.

Carlos Sainz was fined heavily for missing the opening seconds of the Japanese national anthem at Suzuka and responding to the issue, Russell said: "We've been talking about this on and off for six months now and in all honesty, I don't even want to give it any more air time from my own personal perspective, because we've said everything we've had to say over these months and unfortunately it's had little or no impact.

"All the drivers have 100 percent trust and faith in Stefano and F1 and we know that they work well together with the teams and it's in all of our interests to make something come of all of this and just see stability and collaboration.

"Moving forward, we just want collaboration. It just doesn't make any sense to be fighting on these topics."