Russell says F1 drivers want more than words from FIA boss

MIAMI : George Russell said Formula One drivers wanted more than words from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a lukewarm response to a mooted change in the rules concerning punishment for misconduct, including swearing.

Ben Sulayem, the Emirati head of the governing body, said on Instagram this week that he was considering "improvements" to Appendix B of the FIA's International Sporting Code after feedback from drivers across several series.

Rally drivers had been up in arms over stiff fines imposed for swearing, as had their F1 contemporaries.

Asked at the Miami Grand Prix on Thursday if he saw Ben Sulayem's words as a positive step, Mercedes driver Russell - a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) - replied: "Conceptually, yes.

"But obviously we want to see these things put into action rather than saying 'we're considering things'. We all consider a lot of things.

"We're clear, we want changes. And once they are implemented, then we'll comment on it. But for the time being it's being considered. The words don't mean anything until the change has been made."

Appendix B covers stewards' penalty guidelines, setting out punishments for misconduct including words, deeds or writings that might have caused moral injury to the FIA or motorsport in general.

A first offence in Formula One incurs a 40,000 euro ($46,000) fine, rising to 80,000 for the second and 120,000 with a one-month suspension and deduction of championship points for a third breach.

Ben Sulayem's term in office runs out this year and he is expected to seek renewal. No rival candidate has emerged to date.

"It'll be great if changes were made and the drivers were at least heard," said Russell. "And I think it's just in the best interest for the