George Russell has provided further insight into the statement released by Formula 1 drivers earlier this month, expressing their growing frustration with the FIA.

The message shared through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) on their new Instagram page, urged FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to rethink his approach to communication with drivers and address key issues impacting the grid.

The statement highlighted problems with the FIA’s strict rules on swearing, the way fines are applied, and the lack of clarity about where the fine money is used.

Drivers, including Russell, who is the director of GPDA, want the funds to be used to support young talent in motorsport and have asked for clearer communication from the FIA.

“Ultimately for us when we were hearing from the FIA a couple of years ago when it came to presidential elections, they were talking about transparency, talking about where the money is going to be reinvested into grassroots racing of which we're all in favour for,” said Russell quoted by Motorsport Week.

“And of course, when it comes to some of these large fines, there are a number of drivers on the grid who can comfortably afford these fines. 

“There are maybe some rookies on the grid, that if they're handed a $1 million fine, they can't afford this. 

“But if we know where that's been reinvested, and if it's going into grassroots or into some training programs... we just want the transparency and understanding of what was promised from the beginning.”

However, despite the statement being issued shortly after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the FIA has not responded yet, adding to the drivers’ frustration.

Russell also pointed to instability within the FIA, noting the frequent turnover of personnel in the past year, which could be contributing to the poor communication with drivers.

“It’s definitely not difficult to get a sit-down, but I think getting things to change or promises upheld, seems slightly more challenging.

“Maybe the FIA or the president didn't recognise how seriously we all felt.

“That's why over the course of 20 races this year, and even last year, we spoke about a number of topics, all of the drivers, we all feel pretty similar.

“We all know what we want from the sport and the direction it's been heading. We probably feel that we want to do a small U-turn on a number of topics, and just want to work together with the FIA on this.

“That's what we've felt has not been happening at all, at least directly from the president.”