Russell urges for action after FIA president's swearing fine review

Russell wants actions rather than words from the FIA president after consideration to u-turn over swearing punishments

George Russell has reacted to the FIA president’s comments regarding changing strict rules that would see Formula 1 drivers fined for swearing.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted on social media that he was contemplating reviewing plans to punish drivers for using foul language.

Ben Sulayem wrote on Instagram that after “constructive feedback” from drivers across the world, he was open to making “improvements”.

However, Russell said his words “don’t mean anything until the change has been made”.

The Mercedes driver was asked about the post and said: “We want to see these things put into action rather than saying ‘we're considering things’. We all consider a lot of things.

“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 those words don't mean anything until the change has been made.”

Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President on the grid

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images

Russell’s former team-mate Lewis Hamilton has even suggested that the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association deserves to be consulted about future decision-making at F1’s governing body.

And Russell, who is a director of the GPDA agrees, adding: “I feel it's like unprecedented times.

"In the last 18 months, with what's been changing, and the GPDA was founded years ago, it was not really to talk about politics. It was to talk about safety.

“Suddenly, I find myself talking about topics that I didn't really have any intention of of talking about, but we find ourself in a time where we aren’t focusing on things.

“We're here to create the best show for 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.”