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George Russell Slams FIA’s ‘Ridiculous’ Rules as Swearing Penalties are Reduced
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has not held back in his criticism of the FIA following a recent rule change that reduces the penalties for drivers using inappropriate language during official events. The 26-year-old Brit, who also serves as the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), voiced his frustrations during the build-up to the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
Russell’s comments came after the FIA issued updated guidelines this week, easing the punishments for drivers who swear in press conferences or other public-facing events. This move follows widespread backlash over the severity of the original penalties, which many within the sport—including Russell—deemed excessive and out of touch with the realities of modern racing.
Previously, the FIA had introduced stringent rules regarding driver conduct in media appearances. These rules included penalties as high as €40,000 (approximately £33,700) for a first offence and the possibility of a race ban for repeat offenders. This strict stance came into the spotlight when reigning world champion Max Verstappen was handed a community service-style penalty for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last year.
Under the revised guidelines announced on Wednesday, the fine for a first offence has been significantly lowered to €5,000 (around £4,200), and the possibility of a ban has been removed. While many within the paddock have welcomed the changes, Russell made it clear that the rule should never have existed in such a severe form.
“We’re talking about a situation where things have been reversed because they were a bit ridiculous from the start,” Russell told reporters, including those from GPFans. “Of course, we’re happy that it’s changing, but it shouldn’t have been like this in the first place, if you know what I mean. So it feels a bit strange to be grateful for those changes when we shouldn’t have been in this situation in the first place.”
The original regulations had drawn fierce criticism from the F1 grid. In a rare act of unity, all 20 drivers signed an open letter to the FIA, urging the governing body to treat them as professionals capable of handling media responsibilities without excessive oversight. Russell, in his leadership role at the GPDA, played a central part in communicating the drivers’ discontent and pushing for a more reasonable approach.
While the new rules are less strict on swearing, the FIA has simultaneously toughened penalties in other areas. Any driver found guilty of public incitement to violence or hatred can now face a fine of €20,000 (approximately £16,800). The governing body appears to be drawing a clearer line between inappropriate language and genuinely harmful or dangerous conduct.
As the Imola weekend gets underway, the spotlight remains not just on the racing but on the evolving relationship between drivers and the sport’s governing body. With voices like Russell’s continuing to speak out, it’s clear that F1’s athletes are determined to have a say in how they are regulated—both on and off the track.
