BREAKING: George Russell hits out at FIA over lack of transparency following key dismissals
Mercedes driver George Russell has openly criticized the FIA for its lack of transparency following the departures of long-time Formula 1 race steward Tim Mayer and Deputy Formula 2 Race Director Janette Tam. Their exits add to a growing list of high-profile departures from the motorsport governing body, including former F1 Race Director Niels Wittich and FIA Compliance Officer Paolo Basarri, both dismissed in the last two weeks.
Additionally, several key figures have left the FIA this year, such as Sporting Director Tim Nielsen, Technical Director Tim Goss, CEO Natalie Robyn, Head of the Commission for Women Deborah Mayer, Secretary General of Mobility Jacob Bangsgaard, and Communications Director Luke Skipper.
Russell expressed frustration over the FIA’s communication, highlighting that drivers learned of Mayer and Tam’s departures through media reports rather than direct updates from the organization.
“Just as we’ve been asking for transparency and consistency, we see the departure of two highly important figures in the governing body,” Russell said ahead of the Qatar GP. “It feels like a complete 360. We still haven’t received any explanation for Niels Wittich’s removal, and nobody was informed about Tim Mayer leaving.”
Russell also criticized the FIA’s lack of notification regarding the new Formula 2 Race Director. “The first I heard about the new Race Director for F2 this weekend was through the media,” he noted.
He emphasized how these frequent personnel changes create instability: “In any organization, significant departures or shifts in personnel disrupt stability. It must be incredibly challenging for everyone within the FIA right now.”
The Mercedes driver called for clarity: “We’d love to understand what’s happening and who might be fired next.”
FIA dismissals ‘not ideal’ says Max Verstappen
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell have weighed in on the FIA’s recent instability following the departure of Deputy Formula 2 Race Director Janette Tam. The move has required new F1 Race Director Rui Marques to take on both roles during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
Verstappen admitted he was unaware of the situation, saying, “I didn’t even know. Someone else left, right? Again, I didn’t even know. I don’t follow F1 news; I think that’s better anyway.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by the turnover, noting, “It’s not ideal, right, with people leaving. It depends on who steps into the role next. That’s another question.”
Former F1 race steward Tim Mayer, who also recently exited the FIA, raised concerns about whether the governing body is running out of qualified race directors—a sentiment Verstappen seemed to echo.
Russell, maintaining his critical stance, expressed concern over the FIA’s rapid personnel changes, emphasizing the potential impact on the sport’s stability. While he voiced confidence in Liberty Media and Formula One Management under Stefano Domenicali, he stressed the importance of the FIA becoming more consistent.
“Definitely when it comes to the FIA, too much is changing and too quickly,” Russell said. “Everybody has faith in Liberty and Stefano. He’s a racer with racing in his blood, doing everything he can to elevate the sport.”
Russell praised the current state of Formula 1 but cautioned against the risks of instability. “The sport is in such a great place. Everyone is trying their best—teams, Liberty, and Stefano are doing an amazing job. But with all this change, I hope it doesn’t have a negative impact.”
As Formula 1 continues to grow, the drivers emphasized the need for steady governance to ensure the sport remains on its upward trajectory.