As the Formula 1 paddock gathers in Miami, Mercedes driver George Russell has called for “action, not words” from the FIA over its controversial ban on swearing and criticism by drivers. The call comes in response to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent social media comments that he is “considering making improvements” to the statutes that introduced penalties for verbal conduct.
Russell, one of four directors of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), expressed frustration over the lack of dialogue between the FIA and the drivers’ body since an open letter was sent in November 2024. That letter requested that the governing body treat drivers with the respect and maturity befitting professional athletes.
“It’s being considered,” Russell said of Ben Sulayem’s statement. “The words don’t mean anything until the change has been made. We need to see action. We wrote an open letter months ago, and there’s been no follow-up, no formal conversation.”
The FIA’s crackdown on driver language and criticism has been a flashpoint since its quiet implementation over the winter. The revised statutes introduced explicit penalties for drivers who swear or express negative opinions about the FIA publicly—rules many drivers say go too far in policing expression.
Russell said the GPDA’s original purpose was to focus on driver safety and racing matters. “We’re now being pulled into issues we didn’t intend to get involved in,” he said. “Fines, punishments, and swearing are not what we came to F1 for. We’re here for the racing—fastest cars, best engineers, top competition. This isn’t the conversation anyone wants to be having.”
The FIA, in turn, has said little about the specifics of potential amendments. According to protocol, any statute change proposals must be disclosed to member organisations by 8 May, ahead of the June General Assembly.
A Pattern of Controversies
Russell’s comments touch on deeper concerns many in the paddock have held since Ben Sulayem assumed office in December 2021. His presidency has been marked by a series of controversies: comments about women, the dismissal of senior officials amid questions about financial transparency, and accusations from whistleblowers—all of which the FIA has either dismissed or declined to address in detail.
Most recently, Deputy President of Sport Robert Reid resigned, followed by a rare public statement from former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn, who left her role in 2024 after just 18 months. The situation escalated further when Susie Wolff, director of F1 Academy, launched a lawsuit against the FIA alleging reputational damage caused by unsubstantiated investigations.
In light of these developments, Russell hinted that the GPDA could consider evolving its role. “Maybe something should change,” he said. “We’re open to it. But ultimately, we just want what’s best for the sport.”
Hamilton Calls for Greater Driver Influence
Lewis Hamilton also weighed in from the Ferrari camp. “The GPDA is very unified,” he said. “We want to collaborate with the FIA, not oppose them. But we’ve been climbing an uphill battle for years now when it comes to communication. We don’t have a seat of power at the table. That needs to change.”
Hamilton pointed out that other sports have formal unions to represent athletes. “We’re not asking for control,” he clarified. “We just want to be heard. Our input matters because we’re the ones out there, week in and week out.”
With the Miami Grand Prix set to begin, all eyes are on the FIA’s next move. If the governing body fails to follow through on its promise of “consideration,” tensions may escalate—and not just over a ban on foul language.
As Russell put it bluntly: “Until something changes, it’s just talk.”
