George Russell gave a tough answer to the FIA President

      George Russell attracted attention at the FIA press conference in Miami when he was asked a question not as a Mercedes driver, but as the director of the GPDA association, which can be considered something like a trade union for Formula 1 drivers. However, at first the conversation was on more neutral topics, primarily about the results.…

      George Russell: "To be honest, we're probably exceeding our own pre-season expectations. The pace is about at the level we expected it to be, meaning we are one step behind McLaren and about on equal terms with Red Bull and Ferrari.

      We have performed quite successfully and reached the podiums several times, although I don't think these results necessarily mean that our team is the second fastest. We saw in Jeddah that Charles Leclair had a great race, and the same can be said about Max Verstappen's previous two races.

      But at the same time, we have achieved good stability and regularly earn points."

      The most interesting part began later, when Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater asked George this question: "FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem said that after a constructive dialogue with the drivers, he was thinking about adjusting the rules governing their behavior. Do you think this is a very positive step?"

      "Conceptually, yes," Russell replied. "But of course, we want to see all this implemented, and not just words.: "We are considering this issue..."

      You know, we all "consider" a variety of issues. It is clear that we want to achieve changes, and when they become reality, then we will comment. But so far, the issue is only "being considered." So these words don't mean anything until the changes begin.

      It will be great if something starts to change, and the voice of the racers will finally be heard. I think it's in the best interests of our sport to use common sense in such situations. But, as I said, we will be able to give some comments when we see the real cases.

      It seems to me that the last 18 months have become some kind of unprecedented period, when all sorts of changes and events took place. I believe that when the GPDA association was first formed many years ago, it did not discuss political issues – it was about safety, about how to make our sport better.…

      I'm talking about myself first of all.: I have to bring up topics that I didn't intend to discuss at all. But it turned out that we live in a time when we don't have to pay attention to the things we all compete for in Formula 1.

      Our job is to race, we're here to put on a great show for the fans, so that we have the fastest and safest cars, and use the best technology – but we're talking about fines, punishments, and profanity. Therefore, it would probably be necessary to change something. We are open to change, but ultimately we want it all to be for the good of our sport."