GEORGE RUSSELL slammed the FIA’s “unstable” leadership as the sport was thrown into turmoil yesterday.
FIA executive Robert Reid resigned yesterday over what he described as a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards”.
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And Williams driver Carlos Sainz taunted the sport’s governing body as he said “s*** happens” in a press conference.
The comment came after his whopping €10,000 fine for being five seconds late for the national anthem in Japan after using the toilet.
Scottish executive Reid was appointed in 2021 when current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was elected, but the pair have fallen out in recent years.
When Mercedes ace Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, was asked about Reid’s resignation, he said: “Unfortunately, I think every time we hear some news from that side of the sport, it’s not a big surprise.
“As we keep saying, it’s like, what’s next? It’s a shame to see, and hopefully we get more stability sooner rather than later.
“It’s getting to a point now where these things are happening so often, and as drivers we’re trying to get involved, in the past, we didn’t really make much headway.
“Things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction.
“I’ve got to be honest, we’re getting to a point now where our actions are having little impact with those guys, and we’ve got to trust in the teams and Formula 1 to work with the FIA to come to a common ground.
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“If we can help, we want to be there, but often it just seems like things are going in their own direction.”
Reid’s departure is the latest in a string of high-profile resignations at the FIA over the last 18 months.
Ben Sulayem has been under fire in the last few years, following various controversies including the FIA’s swearing rules earlier this year.
Reid said in his resignation letter: “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.
“Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.
“My resignation is not about personalities. It is about principles.
“Motorsport deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent and member-driven. I can no longer, in good faith, remain part of a system that does not reflect those values.”
On the grid at Suzuka, Sainz reported to the FIA medical team with a stomach issue.
After receiving treatment and using the toilet, the Williams driver was late to the national anthem ceremony – something all drivers must attend or risk a fine.
The FIA punished Sainz with a €20,000 fine, half of which is suspended for 12 months providing he does not repeat the rules breach, while the fine is usually €60,000.
He said: “I was five seconds late, and to be five seconds late and have to pay 10,000, it’s for me, out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.”
“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.”
It is not yet known if Sainz will be fined for the swearing incident, with the ex-Ferrari driver in talks with the FIA over whether it will be referred to the stewards.
Drivers like Lewis Hamilton have also come under fire for tattoos and piercings in recent years and Russell believes Sainz’s toilet punishment was over the top.
He added: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people may think for us to be there on time.
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“We’re often running to the toilet, and there’s sometimes no toilets available between the time you jump out of the car and go into the anthem, and you’ve got people on the grid, or people asking for a quick interview.”
He added: “It’s a pretty expensive poo!”
