The aftermath of the recent Mexican Grand Prix has sparked a call for change in Formula 1 regulations. George Russell admitted that an overwhelming majority of drivers—19 out of 20—are advocating for immediate updates to the current FIA racing guidelines. This push for change arises from contentious decisions made during recent races, which have left both drivers and fans questioning the fairness and consistency of the stewards.
Recent incidents during the United States and Mexican Grand Prix have fueled the call for change . In Austin, Max Verstappen's on-track actions against Lando Norris went without penalty, even as Norris was later penalized for something very similar, albeit not identical.
The pattern continued in Mexico, where Verstappen received two 10-second penalties following clashes with the Papaya driver . These incidents have highlighted inconsistencies in how infractions are judged and addressed, creating frustration among drivers who feel that the current regulations fail to provide clear rulings.
Russell has been vocal in expressing the collective stance of the drivers at the paddock in Mexico.
“I think the stewards are totally on board with what needs to change.
"Our view is, I think the biggest discussion is they want it to wait until 2025, so it's something consistent through this year," he said. "I would say 19 out of 20 drivers said, well, if it's incorrect, make the change today, and I'm glad to see those incidents weren't punished today, and I suspect moving forward in Brazil, what we saw today and what we saw last week, you won't be able to get away with."
The alignment among the drivers is a significant factor that aids in potentially accelerating the process of regulatory review. Russell's comments also suggest that the stewards support this push, indicating that regulatory bodies might be more receptive than in the past.
“Presumably if you're a bit more aligned, if the drivers are all aligned with what needs to change," he continued, "it'd be quite a short conversation with the powers that be.”
Revising F1 rules is no simple task.
"But it sometimes seems more difficult than it has to be when things have to get approved and we've got to go to a vote," he explained. Changing these rules involves the interplay of the FIA, the Single Seater Commission, and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, making it a lengthy procedure despite the urgency expressed by the drivers.
One focal area for rule changes is the behavior of defending drivers. Current guidelines lack clarity, particularly concerning track limits and car positioning at corner apexes. This ambiguity allows drivers to push the boundaries without consistent penalties, as seen in recent races. Drivers have proposed introducing more concrete deterrents, such as altering track designs to incorporate features like gravel strips that naturally penalize rule-breaking.
"I suspect moving forward in Brazil, what we saw today and what we saw last week, you won't be able to get away with," Russell optimistically noted.
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