Russell blasts FIA's 'unstable direction' after shock Reid exit

The tensions between Formula 1’s top drivers and its governing body took a new turn this week, as GPDA director George Russell voiced serious concerns about the FIA’s direction and transparency following the resignation of its deputy president for sport, Robert Reid.

Speaking in Bahrain on Thursday just hours after news of Reid’s departure broke, Russell didn’t hold back.

The Mercedes driver said the FIA’s recent actions have eroded trust and warned that the institution’s leadership is “continuously going in an unstable direction”, while growing increasingly disconnected from the voices of the drivers.

Russell Laments FIA’s Unstable Path

“Every time we hear news from that side of the sport it's not really a big surprise,” commented Russell.

“It’s a shame to see… for somebody who’s very well respected within the sport and has been there for so long. Hopefully we get more stability sooner than later.”

Reid, who had served as president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s second-in-command since 2021, outlined his reasons for stepping down in a letter to the drivers, pointing to what he described as "critical decisions being made without due process" over the past four years.

His departure marks yet another chapter in a turbulent period for the FIA, which has faced scrutiny over its decision-making and transparency.

Drivers’ Concerns Ignored

Russell, speaking on behalf of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, highlighted the drivers’ growing exasperation with the FIA’s direction.

“We’re yet to talk with him because it was news to us this morning and was shared amongst the drivers,” he explained, noting that Reid’s resignation caught the drivers off guard.

“It’s getting to a point now where these things are happening so often, and as drivers we were trying to get involved in the past, but we didn't really make much headroom.

"Things seem to continuously be going in an unstable direction, so we're getting to a point now where our actions are having little impact with [the FIA].”

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali with former FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid.

The GPDA has long sought greater influence in the sport’s governance, but Russell suggested that their efforts have been met with resistance.

“The drivers want a seat at the table,” he said, adding that the FIA “increasingly seems to be going in their own direction.”

With Reid’s exit shining a spotlight on the organization’s challenges, the pressure is mounting for Ben Sulayem and the FIA to deliver the stability and transparency that both drivers and stakeholders are demanding.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.