Lewis Hamilton and George Russell: F1 Drivers Need ‘Power Seat’ in Governance Decisions

Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 drivers should have a significant voice in how the sport is governed. This stance comes amid ongoing tension between the drivers and the leadership of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem recently indicated via Instagram that he is considering revising rules implemented in January. These regulations included stricter penalties, such as substantial fines and potential point deductions, for drivers found guilty of misconduct, including the use of inappropriate language.

These more stringent rules were introduced despite strong opposition from the Grand Prix Drivers` Association (GPDA), which had issued a statement the previous November explicitly against censorship in the cockpit.

Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, both Hamilton, from Ferrari, and George Russell, a director of the GPDA, questioned the existing power structure in F1.

“I think ultimately the GPDA is very unified. Ultimately, we want to be able to work closely with the FIA,” stated the seven-time world champion Hamilton.

“I think everyone, all of us want to continue to work together and make the sport better. And of course, we`ve faced a bit of an uphill challenge in that communication over time.”

“Ultimately, we don`t hold a power seat at the table and that needs to change, in my opinion. If you look at other sports that have unions, that may be something that comes into play at some stage.”

“We don`t want to control things; we just want to collaborate with them more and have our voices heard.”

“Ultimately, people making decisions for others that have never been in that position, it`s good to have the point of view from the driver`s perspective, and that`s all we try to give.”

Russell: We Want Action

Following criticism from drivers across various FIA world championships, Ben Sulayem announced he was considering “improvements” to Appendix B of the FIA regulations. This section outlines penalties for misconduct, including actions or words deemed harmful to the FIA or motorsport.

Under the current F1 penalties, a first breach incurs a €40,000 fine, a second €80,000, and a third €120,000 coupled with a one-month suspension and points deduction.

Ben Sulayem posted on Instagram: “Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships, I am considering making improvements to Appendix B. As a former rally driver, I understand the demands they face better than most.”

“Appendix B is a key part of the International Sporting Code and is central in helping keep the sport accessible for all our sporting family.”

“Humans make the rules and humans can improve the rules. This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is at the heart of all we do at the FIA.”

Russell acknowledged that Ben Sulayem`s post was positive “conceptually” but urged the FIA president to translate words into concrete action.

“We want to see these things put into action rather than saying we`re considering things. We all consider a lot of things,” Russell stated.

“We`re clear we want changes. And once they are implemented, then we`ll comment on it. But for the time being, it`s being considered.”

“So, it`s just the words don`t mean anything until the change is being made.”

Russell also confirmed that there has been no direct communication between the GPDA and the FIA on this topic. He was unsure if Ben Sulayem`s Instagram post was a direct response to the GPDA`s previous letter.

When asked if the Instagram post was surprising, Russell replied, “I mean, in short, yes. Collectively, we`ve not spoken any further since that, the open letter that was sent out. So, whether that is the response, I`m not too sure.”

“It`ll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard. I think it`s just in the best interest for the sport and ensuring that some common sense is sort of applied to these situations.”

Russell: Something Should Change

Ben Sulayem`s tenure as FIA president since December 2021 has been marked by controversy and significant turnover in senior positions. A notable departure last month was Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid, who reportedly resigned over concerns regarding the direction of governance under Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem is anticipated to seek re-election as FIA president in December.

Russell expressed frustration that his role as a GPDA director, which he took up in 2021, has increasingly involved focusing on off-track political issues.

The Mercedes driver added: “I feel it`s like unprecedented times we`ve been in the last 18 months with what`s been changing, what`s happening.”

“I think when the GPDA was founded years ago, it wasn`t really to talk about politics. It was to talk about safety, it was to talk about improvements of the sport, improvements of the racing.”

“And, especially myself, I find myself talking about topics that I didn`t really have any intention of talking about, but we find ourselves in a time where we`re not focused on the things why we`re all here.”

“We`re here to go racing. We`re here to create the best show for the fans, to have the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering. And yet we talk about fines and punishments and swearing.”

“So, maybe something should change. We`re open to it, but we just ultimately want the best for the sport.”