Last Updated: March 07, 2024, 08:17 IST
George Russell was fourth behind Fernando Alonso in final yr’s Saudi Arabian GP. (AP Photo)
The FIA on Tuesday mentioned that its compliance officer has acquired two complaints “detailing potential allegations involving certain members of its governing body”.
Mercedes driver George Russell has known as for transparency following a report alleging that the president of Formula 1’s governing physique intervened to overturn a penalty final season.
Russell completed fourth behind Fernando Alonso in final yr’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix however was briefly upgraded to third when Alonso was given a 10-second penalty as a result of Aston Martin’s pit crew touched the automotive with a jack whereas serving an earlier penalty. That ruling was later overturned.
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The BBC reported this week that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem allegedly intervened to have the Alonso penalty overturned. The FIA on Tuesday mentioned that its compliance officer has acquired two complaints “detailing potential allegations involving certain members of its governing body” in seeming reference to whistleblower claims in opposition to Ben Sulayem.
F1 is racing in Saudi Arabia once more this week.
“We want to see all of the facts and just have total transparency, really. … We want a fair and level playing field for us to showcase what we can do,” mentioned Russell, who can be a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which represents F1 drivers in dealings with the FIA and different organizations.
“We were surprised a year ago when the result got overturned,” Russell mentioned. “The legal team, Mercedes thought they did a great job of presenting our case and initially winning the case and then losing it thereafter. So we just want to see transparency and have that opportunity to race on a level, fair playing field.”
Russell additionally mentioned it will be “exciting” if three-time champion Max Verstappen joined Mercedes as his teammate for 2025 when Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari.
Verstappen’s present group, Red Bull, is in turmoil over the position of group principal Christian Horner, who stays in cost after the group’s father or mother firm final week dismissed a grievance of alleged misconduct by Horner towards a group worker. He has denied wrongdoing, however Verstappen’s father, Jos, has criticized Horner’s remaining with the group.
“I think any team wants to have the best driver lineup possible, and right now Max is the best driver on the grid, so if any team had a chance to sign Max, they would 100% be taking it,” Russell mentioned. “So I think the question is more on the other side, on his side and on Red Bull’s side. Obviously there’s so much going on there. We don’t know what truly is going on behind closed doors, and ultimately it’s none of our business right now. I guess it would be exciting.”
Hamilton mentioned he wouldn’t be stunned to see Verstappen transfer to Mercedes.
“I know and I am sure Max is on the list,” the seven-time champion mentioned. “I wouldn’t say I am surprised that he is being considered. He is a great driver.”
Verstappen gained the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix final week and favored to retain his title.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
