mercedes driver George Russellwho is also president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), has revealed that the majority of Formula 1 drivers, 19 of the 20 on the F1 grid, have joined against “unfair” races following controversial incidents during recent races in Austin and Mexico.

At the United States Grand Prix, Max Verstappen allegedly pushed Lando Norris off the track, forcing Norris to pass beyond the track limits before Verstappen crossed the white lines. Despite this, it was Norris who received a 5-second penalty, dropping him from third to fourth place behind Verstappen. The FIA’s decision was widely criticized by many as unfair.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton called Verstappen for exploiting the gray areas of the regulations, as he experienced on several occasions during his intense 2021 season. In Mexico, the Dutchman again committed what many called dangerous driving in two separate meetings with Norris, which led to him receiving two penalties of 10 seconds.

Russell praised the FIA ​​for its firm stance during the Mexico City Grand Prix and revealed that, with the exception of one driver, the entire grid was aligned on the need for immediate regulatory changes. He said quick updates would help clarify the rules, reducing ambiguous areas that could be exploited, rather than waiting until 2025 to make adjustments. he told the media:

“I think the commissioners are totally in agreement with what needs to change.

“Our opinion is… I think the biggest discussion is that they wanted to wait until the 25th, so it’s consistent throughout this year. I would say 19 out of 20 drivers said, ‘Well, if it’s incorrect, make the change.’ today’. ‘.

“And I’m glad to see that those incidents were punished and I suspect that in Brazil, what we saw today (Sunday) and what we saw last week (in Austin) you won’t be able to get away with that.

“It’s supposed to (be easy to change if everyone agrees), but sometimes it seems harder than it needs to be when things have to be approved and we have to resort to a voting app. But like I said, 19 of 20 , we are all aligned on what should be.”

Russell went on to suggest that his battle with Hamilton during the Mexican Grand Prix was an ideal example of fair racing, as opposed to controversial incidents that were “beyond sporting”. He said:

“It was nice to have the battle and it’s always good to fight Lewis because he’s tough and fair.

“Right now you’re seeing a series of moves that are just… going beyond entertainment or beyond sports, it’s almost unfair to a certain extent now.

“You can argue the first one was maybe 60-40. The last one, I haven’t seen anything like that since probably Brazil (2021).”