Have a look at George Russell's mindset while running the GDPA and going against the FIA.
GDPA is the association of Formula 1 which undertakes and resolves surrounding driver safety and dissatisfaction. GDPA serves an importance purpose in Formula 1. It helps the Formula 1 drivers voice their opinions in a collective manner. Representing the grid, GDPA is more than an association. It is the mediator and resolving force between F1 drivers and FIA.
George Russell and Carlos Sainz are the drivers leading GDPA in 2025. They are the only active drivers of the association. Former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, as well as legal representative Anastasia Fowle work with Russell and Sainz to ensure the GDPA functions perfectly. Russell has been a part of the GDPA since 2021. He was the only active driver to lead the association after Sebastian Vettel’s decision. As a GDPA member, Russell has been a strong voice standing up for the drivers.
Russell is not the one to back down in face of adversity. Often, the Briton had strongly spoken up against accusations or while representing the GDPA. Recently, Russell was involved in a lot of stories surrounding his contract and minor tussle with Max Verstappen. The Mercedes handled the situation calmly giving the media straightforward answers.
As a GDPA member, George Russell was extremely strict about the new restrictions being imposed on the drivers by the FIA. Russell spoke up against the infamous “swearing ban” rule, ready to clarify his points about the futility of the rule.
Speaking about role and his future aspirations as a GDPA member, George Russell says-
“I’m not chasing to leave any legacy. That’s never been the intention. It’s just that if I see an opportunity to improve something, I want to speak about it, especially if it comes to track safety or car safety. In 2012 I was team-mates with Billy Monger and had a close relationship with him. Seeing that crash live, and then watching Anthoine crash, I was watching that live. It was sickening to watch.”
“When you experience things like this with people who you know so well, and you believe you have ideas that can help improve the safety or prevent that from happening, then you naturally want to share it.”
Russell also made sure that there were misunderstandings about the GDPA’s relationship with the FIA. Even though, he is clearly not impressed by the lack of transparency shown by the FIA president, Russell is not hostile towards the FIA.
The criticism has always been a part of the job. Naturally, it is also thrown at George Russell for voicing his opinions.
nhl 
