Russell slams FIA after deputy resigns over governance

Formula 1's governing body faced fresh criticism Thursday as George Russell responded to the surprise resignation of FIA Deputy President Robert Reid.

The Mercedes driver and Grand Prix Drivers' Association president didn't mince words about the current state of F1 leadership.

"Every time we hear news from that side of the sport it's not really a big surprise,"

Russell told reporters in Bahrain following Reid's departure.

"It's a shame to see… for somebody who's very well respected within the sport and has been there for so long."

Growing Governance Concerns

Reid, who served as second-in-command to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem since 2021, stepped down with a powerful statement criticizing the organization's internal processes.

In his resignation letter, Reid wrote:

"When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA's members; not to serve power. Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold."

The departing deputy was explicit about his concerns, stating that "decisions are being made behind closed doors" and citing "critical decisions being made without due process" during his tenure.

Drivers feeling sidelined

Russell revealed that the GPDA's attempts to engage with the FIA have largely been unsuccessful, suggesting a growing disconnect between the sport's competitors and its governing body.

"It's getting to a point now where these things are happening so often, and as drivers we were trying to get involved in the past, but we didn't really make much headway,"

Russell explained.

The Mercedes driver expressed clear frustration with the current leadership approach.

"Things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction, so we're getting to a point now where our actions are having little impact with [the FIA]."

Request for inclusion

Russell emphasized that drivers want proper representation in decision-making processes but feel increasingly marginalized under the current administration.

The GPDA president noted that the FIA under Ben Sulayem's leadership appears to be "going in their own direction" despite drivers' attempts to have their concerns heard.

Reid's parting words suggested similar sentiments about the organization's current trajectory.

"My resignation is not about personalities; it is about principles. Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven,"

he wrote in his statement.

As F1 continues its 2025 season, this latest leadership shakeup raises questions about potential impacts on regulatory decisions and the sport's governance structure moving forward.