George Russell: A Voice for Change in Formula 1
As George Russell enters the halfway point of his seventh season in Formula 1, he has firmly established himself as a key figure within Mercedes and as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton. However, his influence extends far beyond the track. Russell has become one of the most vocal drivers in the sport, unafraid to address difficult issues related to safety and the direction of the championship's governing body, the FIA.
Russell joined the F1 drivers' association GPDA during his third season in 2021, when he was still driving for Williams. At that time, he replaced outgoing Romain Grosjean, and after Sebastian Vettel’s retirement the following year, Russell became the only active driver in the association until Carlos Sainz joined earlier this year. Alongside Sainz, Russell works with chairman Alexander Wurz and legal representative Anastasia Fowle.
The GPDA has long been instrumental in advocating for safety improvements in the sport. One of its most significant achievements was pushing for the introduction of the halo cockpit protection device, which initially faced criticism from teams and fans. Russell has spoken openly about why his role in advancing safety is so important to him, citing several tragic accidents that have shaped his perspective.
“I’m not chasing to leave any legacy,” Russell explained. “That’s never been the intention. It’s just that if I see an opportunity to improve something, I want to speak about it, especially if it comes to track safety or car safety.”
He recalled his close relationship with Billy Monger, a fellow driver who lost his legs in a British F4 crash in 2017. Watching Monger’s accident live and later witnessing Anthoine Hubert’s crash at Spa 2019 left a deep impact on him. “When you experience things like this with people you know well, and you believe you have ideas that can help improve the safety or prevent that from happening, then you naturally want to share it.”
Russell also reflected on Romain Grosjean’s fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020. “I saw that. He was in front of me, and I passed him. I still see the image in my head now. I looked in my mirror, and all I could see was flames. That could have happened to anyone. It could have happened to the greatest driver in the world.”
Over the years, Russell has noticed a growing sense of unity among drivers, particularly in the era of Drive to Survive. “As a group we are probably closer and more united than ever,” he said. “During my seven years of F1, it really feels like we've grown closer and share a similar view upon things.”
Working Together with the FIA
Russell has been critical of past interactions with the FIA, particularly under president Mohamed Ben Sulayem, whom he felt lacked transparency. The GPDA once sent an open letter urging the FIA leader to treat drivers like adults, amid concerns over a strict swearing ban. Although the FIA has since softened its stance, Russell emphasized the importance of collaboration between drivers, F1, and the FIA.
“We don’t want to fight against the FIA. We don’t want to fight against F1,” he said. “We want to work together with them to get the most for them as a sport, the most for them as a regulatory body, and then the most for us as drivers.”
Russell praised Rui Marques, the new race director, and Tim Malyon, the FIA sporting director, for their openness and willingness to listen. “It’s been very refreshing having them on board. I feel they’ve been exceptionally receptive. They listen and they react, and I think collectively, we’re all substantially happier now with where we are.”
Standing by His Views
Despite his efforts to promote change, Russell has faced criticism for his outspoken nature, much like Lando Norris, who has been open about mental health. “Yeah, for sure,” he admitted. “The only way you could keep everybody happy or avoid negativity is by saying nothing, because everyone will forever have a view.”
He added that he no longer pays attention to the criticism. “Everyone’s got a different opinion. Everyone’s open to their view. But it’s not something that really concerns me at all, to be honest. I don’t look, so it doesn’t bother me.”