Russell has reignited the controversy between drivers and the FIA, and soon after Vettel's punishment for inappropriate conduct during the briefing in Austria, the British Mercedes driver is now calling for the return of only one race director in Formula One
The battle between drivers and race management in Formula 1 gained a new chapter on Saturday (9), after the FIA punished Sebastian Vettel for inappropriate behavior during Friday's briefing at the Red Bull Ring, which resulted in a fine of € 25.000 (approximately R$ 133,000 at current exchange rates).
Now, it was George Russell's turn to increase tension in the F1 paddock by voicing his opposition to two race directors, instead of one as was the case until last season. For 2022, the FIA announced the alternation between Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas in the conduct of races, replacing Michael Masi.
The rotation has led to contested track decisions and widely questioned penalties. Russell made it clear that consistency in decisions is a major factor in how well the season goes.
"We arrive at the next stage and often the director of the previous race is not the same. There is no accountability, no explanation of decisions, we ask questions and it's hard to get a concrete answer because the blame is being put on someone else who is not there, so it's very complicated," Russell said.
The rotation of directors came after the confusions created by Masi, who left at the end of 2021 after the controversial decisions involving the final in Abu Dhabi between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. A new virtual race control room was also introduced, and the appointment of Herbie Blash, former Charlie Whiting's deputy, as a senior advisor to the FIA were other important changes.
"Throughout the season, there are already several drivers commenting on the issue. That's why I believe that when you only have one race director, decisions can generally be more consistent," Russell said. It is important to note that Wittich acted as chief steward for most of the races in 2022 and it is the consensus among the drivers that the German's approach has more rigor compared to previous years.
REVIEW POLEMICS BETWEEN DRIVERS AND FIA IN 2022
:+ Hamilton picks on FIA for "silly" rule on wearing jewelry: "If you stop me, we have reserves "
+ FIA gives Hamilton two races to remove jewelry difficult to remove+ FIA
's policing of jewelry seems just a pinprick in Hamilton, writes Victor Martins+
FIA keeps strict with drivers' clothing in races. The FIA has a lot to do with underwear+
Vettel is Superman and puts on underwear over his overalls in protest against the FIA
And the drivers' frustration with the new FIA board is not only on the track, but also in Lewis Hamilton's wearing of jewelry and the implication with the correct use of underwear by drivers, generating protests from Vettel.