George Russell, Mercedes F1 driver, also manages the Grand Prix drivers' association, the GPDA, on the side.
The very committed Briton did not mince his words in 2024 against the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, taking strong positions in the face of various controversies such as commissioners, penalties, swearing, etc.
He admits today that this role is much more political than he expected.
“When I signed my contract as GPDA director, I didn’t expect to have so much work to do and for it to be so political.”
“I don’t really understand this whole side of the sport. And it’s more from a sporting and safety point of view that I wanted to get my hands dirty.”
“Whereas now it seems like all we talk about is sports politics. I didn't hesitate to take a stand, to express it on behalf of the GPDA. And Alex Wurz, our president, is helping us a lot as well with get things done.”
-“I don't want to comment too much on certain matters, such as the changes made within the governance of the FIA (the ethics committee) because I am not educated enough to make assumptions. Our work must remain close to F1.
“But I think what came out is that all forces are united, that we only want the best for the sport. We want transparency. And we want to help the FIA, it's as simple as that.”
