George Russell waiting for ‘action’ from FIA on potential modification to misconduct rules

MIAMI, Florida — One of the major storylines entering the 2025 motorsport season was the updated Appendix B instituted by the FIA. This update to the International Sporting Code included potential penalties for driver misconduct, including swearing, and the listed penalties not only escalated but involved potential deductions of championship points and suspensions.

In recent days, however, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem indicated his openness to modifying that section of the ISC. In a post on social media, Ben Sulayem stated he was “considering” making changes to Appendix B. That post came after an agreement was reached between the FIA and the World Rally Drivers Association (WoRDA) to adjust how potential scenarios are handled. Under the agreement, drivers are given more leeway in “heat of the moment” situations, such as in-car radio during races or interviews immediately following a racing stage.

Speaking Thursday at the Miami Grand Prix George Russell, the President of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), indicated that the agreement between the FIA and the WoRDA was “conceptually” a positive step. Still, he wants to see actual movement from motorsport’s governing body.

“Conceptually, yes. But obviously we want to see these things put into action rather than saying ‘we’re considering things,” said Russell during the FIA Press Conference. “You know, we all consider a lot of things. We’re clear we want changes and once they are implemented then we’ll comment. But for the time being, it’s being considered. So those words don’t mean anything until the change has been made.”

Russell also indicated that Ben Sulayem’s social media post came as a bit of a surprise, as there has not been any communication between the FIA and the GPDA since the drivers penned an open letter to the governing body late last season.

“I mean, in short, yes. I mean, collectively we’ve not spoken any further since the open letter that was sent out. So whether that is the response, I’m not too sure,” began Russell.

“As I said, it’ll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard. I think it’s just in the best interest for the sport and ensuring that some common sense is applied to these situations,” continued Russell. “As I said, I think all of us, we can comment on it when we see the action being taken rather than just the consideration.”

Russell went as far as to describe the current relationship between the GPDA and the FIA as “unprecedented,” which is something he is hoping to change.

“I mean, it’s… I feel it’s like unprecedented times we’ve been in over the last 18 months with what’s been changed and what’s happening,” began Russell.

“I think when the GPDA was founded years ago, it wasn’t really to talk about politics – it was to talk about safety, improvements of the sport, improvements of the racing. Especially myself – I find myself talking about topics that I didn’t really have any intention of talking about.

“But we find ourselves in a time where we’re not focused on the things why we’re all here.

“We’re here to go racing, we’re here to create the best show for the fans, to have the fastest cars, the safest cars, the best technology, the best engineering – and yet we talk about fines and punishments and swearing,” added Russell. “So yeah, maybe something should change. We’re open to it, but we just ultimately want the best for the sport.”

SB Nation will be on the ground for the entire Miami Grand Prix, so check our story stream all week long for full coverage!