George Russell Celebrates New FIA Guidelines
Mercedes driver George Russell has expressed his satisfaction with the decision of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to publish the penalty guidelines before the Austrian Grand Prix. This measure seeks to increase transparency in decision-making in Formula 1. The FIA has decided, for the sake of transparency, to disclose key documents that will help the stewards make fair and consistent decisions when applying the rules. Although these documents have no regulatory value and the stewards make their decisions independently, based on the applicable regulations, the guidelines recommend appropriate penalties for around 100 common infractions.Russell, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), has been critical of the perceived lack of transparency within the FIA, led by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the governing body’s lack of engagement with the drivers. The Mercedes driver has been involved in several incidents with Max Verstappen, of Red Bull, who is racing at his team’s home circuit this weekend. In the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen was penalized for colliding with Russell’s car, receiving three penalty points, which raised his total to 11 within a 12-month period. Twelve points entail an automatic race suspension, and Verstappen will not lose points until after Austria, when he will drop to nine. Ben Sulayem highlighted that the stewards carry out their work voluntarily, but their dedication “is often met with extreme and totally unjustified criticism”. The FIA announced that the latest version of the driving standards guidelines was drafted at the Qatar Grand Prix last November and that further improvements will be made in consultation with the drivers and teams. The guidelines list the different ways in which drivers can receive penalty points, up to a maximum of five for ignoring a black flag (disqualification) or a black and orange flag (return to the pits due to the car being in unsafe condition). They also advise on the rules for overtaking on the inside and outside of corners and when drivers must give back the position if they gain a lasting advantage by going off track.Greater transparency in the governance of our sport is an important issue and this is a useful step in that direction. Let’s hope it will be beneficial for the sport to give the media and fans a clearer understanding of the rules of the game when we race on the track, and help them understand how the stewards make their decisions.
George Russell, Mercedes driver and director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA)
