Mercedes star George Russell involved in Austrian Gp new penalty as FIA takes ac… read more
Mercedes Formula 1 driver and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director George Russell has expressed strong support for the FIA’s decision to publish its long-standing penalty and driving standards guidelines ahead of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix.
The move, announced by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is aimed at increasing transparency in the sport’s governance. For the first time, the two internal documents that have guided stewards’ decisions on race incidents for over a decade will be made publicly available. These include the Penalty Guidelines and Driving Standards Guidelines, which until now were used behind closed doors.
Importantly, the FIA clarified that these documents are not new regulations, nor are they legally binding rules. Instead, they function as reference materials that help stewards assess penalties in a consistent manner during racing incidents. Despite their publication, the stewards retain full discretion to judge each incident based on the sporting code and individual circumstances. However, by making the framework visible to fans, media, and teams, the FIA hopes to demystify how decisions are made during race weekends.
Russell praised the initiative, calling it a meaningful step toward openness in Formula 1 governance. “Greater transparency within the governance of our sport is an important issue, and this is a useful step in that direction,” he said. “Hopefully, it will give fans and the media a clearer understanding of the rules of engagement during races, and help them comprehend how stewards come to their conclusions.”
The guidelines cover a broad range of topics, including penalties for driver collisions, track limit violations, and safety car infringements. One recent example where transparency could have helped is Russell’s controversial clash with Max Verstappen during the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen received a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for the incident, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike—some, like former champion Nico Rosberg, argued for a harsher penalty. The FIA believes that making its decision-making framework public will help explain why such penalties are handed down.
In addition to the penalty guidelines, the Driving Standards Guidelines—developed collaboratively by drivers and teams—have also been shared. These documents provide detailed standards for race conduct, addressing matters such as defending under braking, impeding, and adherence to track limits. They’ve been in effect since 2022 and are regularly updated based on driver feedback and evolving race dynamics.
FIA President Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of the stewards’ role, calling their task “complex” and often unfairly criticized. “Our stewards work voluntarily with immense passion and commitment. Publishing these guidelines is a way to highlight the thorough process behind their decisions and give fans and journalists a more informed understanding of F1’s officiating.”
With these documents now accessible to the public, the FIA hopes to foster greater trust in its processes and promote fairness and consistency in stewarding—core goals that Russell and other drivers strongly support.