sportskeeda
GEORGE RUSSELL has voiced his concerns regarding the FIA’s “unstable” leadership amid significant turmoil in the sport yesterday.
FIA executive Robert Reid announced his resignation, citing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards.”
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In the meantime, Williams driver Carlos Sainz mocked the governing body, saying “s*** happens” during a press conference.
This remark came after he received a significant €10,000 penalty for being five seconds late to the national anthem in Japan following a restroom break.
Reid, who joined the FIA in 2021 alongside current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has seen a deterioration in their relationship over the years.
Commenting on Reid’s resignation, Mercedes driver Russell, who is also the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said: “Sadly, every time we hear news from that side of the sport, it doesn’t come as a great surprise.
“As we often say, it’s like, what’s next? It’s unfortunate to see this unfold, and I hope we can achieve greater stability sooner rather than later.
“We’re reaching a stage where these events are becoming too routine, and as drivers, we’re trying to engage, although historically, we haven’t made significant headway.
“It seems things are persistently heading in an unstable direction.
“To be honest, we’re getting close to a point where our impact on these decisions feels minimal, and we must rely on the teams and Formula 1 to cooperate with the FIA to foster a mutual understanding.
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“If we can provide assistance, we want to help, but too often it feels like decisions are being made independently.”
Reid’s departure marks yet another significant resignation from the FIA in the past 18 months.
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Ben Sulayem has faced criticism over the past few years due to various controversies, including the FIA’s swearing regulations introduced earlier this year.
In his resignation letter, Reid remarked: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to cater to power.
“Over time, I have witnessed a continuous decline in the principles we committed to uphold.
“Decisions are now being made in secrecy, disregarding the very structures and individuals the FIA is meant to represent.
“My resignation is not driven by personal grievances. It’s about principles.
“The motorsport community deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and responsive to its members. I can no longer, in good conscience, remain part of a system that fails to embody those values.”
During the grid in Suzuka, Sainz approached the FIA medical team about a stomach issue.
After receiving treatment and using the restroom, the Williams driver was late to the national anthem ceremony—an obligatory event for all drivers, with penalties for late arrivals.
The FIA imposed a €20,000 fine on Sainz, half of which will be suspended for 12 months, provided he does not commit a similar offense again, with the standard fine typically being €60,000.
He expressed: “I was five seconds late, and being fined 10,000 for that feels, in my view, unreasonable.”
“I’m uncertain whether I’ll face further penalties for this statement, but, s*** happens.”
It is unclear if Sainz will receive penalties for his comment, as the former Ferrari driver is currently in discussions with the FIA about whether the issue will be escalated to the stewards.
Drivers such as Lewis Hamilton have faced scrutiny over tattoos and piercings in recent years, with Russell believing that the penalty imposed on Sainz for his restroom delay was excessive.
He added: “It’s not as straightforward as people may presume for us to be on time.
“We often find ourselves in a hurry to use the restroom, and there aren’t always facilities available between getting out of the car and heading to the anthem, along with other obligations like interviews.”
He further remarked: “That’s a pretty costly restroom visit!”
