Miami Grand Prix: George Russell wants ‘action’ from FIA on swearing ban

George Russell says “words don't mean anything” after a pledge from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to revisit the governing body’s ban on drivers swearing.

Ben Sulayem changed the FIA statues in the winter to codify a series of penalties for drivers who either swear or criticise the FIA.

But in an Instagram post this week, the Emirati said he was “considering making improvements” to the rules in question “following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships”.

Mercedes driver Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), refused to comment on Ben Sulayem’s intervention.

“It’s being considered,” he said. “The words don’t mean anything until the change has been made.”

He said there had been no dialogue with the FIA on the matter – and none since the drivers wrote an open letter in November asking the governing body to treat them like “adults”.

Russell added: “Collectively, we’ve not spoken any further since the open letter that was sent out. Whether that is the response I’m not too sure.

“It would be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard and it’s in the best interests of the sport, and ensuring some common sense is applied to it. We can comment on it when we see the action rather than the consideration.”