George Russell backs F1 driver unity saying they're more united than ever despite FIA tensions

As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, George Russell has emphasized the increasing unity among the 20 drivers, even as tensions with the FIA remain a significant concern. Russell, who serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), has welcomed Carlos Sainz as his fellow director, filling the vacancy left by Sebastian Vettel's retirement at the end of 2022. With past disputes between drivers and the governing body still fresh, the GPDA is bracing for another potentially contentious year.

The past season witnessed several clashes between the FIA and F1 drivers, notably involving Max Verstappen. The Red Bull champion found himself at odds with the governing body after using the F-word during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. The punishment he received—akin to community service—led him to conduct his own media sessions for the rest of the weekend. However, the issue escalated when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly criticized the use of foul language by drivers just hours before Verstappen’s controversial remark.
This prompted the GPDA to issue a public statement condemning Ben Sulayem’s approach, particularly his habit of using the media as a platform to voice his opinions. Although the social media post helped ease some of the immediate tensions, the FIA’s push to enforce stricter language regulations and other policies suggests that further conflicts may be on the horizon.
In light of these ongoing disputes, Russell has stressed the importance of having a strong, unified drivers' association. Speaking to RacingNews365, he expressed his enthusiasm for Sainz’s involvement, stating, “It’s great to have Carlos as part of the GPDA. Obviously, [he is] a great driver, a really smart, wise individual—and has been around for a long time.”
Russell also acknowledged the challenge of being the sole GPDA director since Vettel’s departure, adding, “I’m happy that the other questions can be shared out a little bit more evenly between me and another driver.”
More significantly, he reinforced the collective strength of F1 drivers, stating, “For all of us as 20, we’re probably more united than ever, especially with everything that’s going on off track. And to have Carlos as one of the senior voices as well, I think is a great addition.”
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With a season expected to be filled with both on-track rivalries and off-track confrontations, the GPDA’s strengthened leadership could prove crucial in ensuring that drivers’ interests remain a priority amid FIA’s evolving regulations.