Halfway through his seventh Formula 1 season, George Russell has solidified his role as a key figure for Mercedes and as Lewis Hamilton‘s successor. Beyond his achievements on the track, the 27-year-old British driver has established himself as a vocal advocate for safety within the sport, driven by a series of harrowing incidents witnessed firsthand or closely followed during his career.
Russell’s dedication to improving safety standards is deeply rooted in his own experiences with horrific crashes involving fellow drivers, motivating his leadership role within the Formula 1 drivers’ association, the GPDA. His advocacy focuses on pushing for advancements that protect competitors and evolve the sport’s safety culture.
George Russell’s Journey Within the GPDA and His Commitment to Safety
Russell’s engagement with safety issues began in earnest when he joined the GPDA ahead of his third F1 season in 2021, during his tenure with Williams. He stepped into the role formerly held by Romain Grosjean, who retired from the association. Following Sebastian Vettel’s departure from the sport in 2022, Russell briefly stood as the sole active GPDA member until Carlos Sainz joined earlier this year.
The drivers‘ union, which also includes chairman and former driver Alexander Wurz alongside legal counsel Anastasia Fowle, has historically been central to pushing critical safety reforms in Formula 1. One of its most notable successes was campaigning for the introduction of the halo cockpit device, which initially faced mixed reactions but has since become a crucial safety feature.
Russell has explained that witnessing terrifying accidents involving team-mates and close peers compelled him to advocate passionately for change. His connection to Billy Monger, who suffered a life-altering crash in British F4 in 2017, left a strong impression early on, and this was followed by other tragic events.
“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,”
Russell stated. He recalled,
“In 2012 I was team-mates with Billy Monger… Seeing that crash live, and then watching Anthoine [Hubert]’s crash [at Spa 2019 in F2], I was watching that live. It was sickening to watch.”
—George Russell, Formula 1 driver
He emphasized how personally impactful these events became, noting his belief in the importance of sharing ideas to prevent future tragedies. When Romain Grosjean’s fiery crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix unfolded right ahead of him on the track, the image of flames engulfing Grosjean’s car was seared into his memory.
“That could have happened to anyone. It could have happened to the greatest driver in the world. That’s just the danger we face. So, I think that’s probably why I wanted to be more involved than not.”
—George Russell, Formula 1 driver
Unity Among Drivers Strengthened During Recent Changes in F1
Since joining the GPDA as a young driver, Russell has observed how the drivers’ community has grown closer and more aligned, particularly with the increased global spotlight on Formula 1 in recent years. He attributed this unity to the sport’s expansion during the Netflix “Drive to Survive” era and the evolving challenges faced by racers.
“As a group we are probably closer and more united than ever,”
Russell said.
“At least during my seven years of F1 It really feels like we’ve grown closer and share a similar view upon things and obviously, so much has changed.”
The technological and sporting transformations introduced in 2022, especially the handling difficulties from porpoising, sparked significant dialogue among drivers, fostering collective problem-solving efforts.
“Everything that’s happened to the sport commercially, with the likes of Netflix and being exposed to so much more as athletes and individuals, so much has changed on the sporting and technical side, the changes in ’22 and the problems we all faced in ’22 with porpoising. It’s given the drivers topics of conversation that we want to sort of tackle together.”
—George Russell, Formula 1 driver
Fostering Cooperation: Drivers Seek Partnership, Not Conflict with FIA
Despite earlier criticisms of the FIA under president Mohamed Ben Sulayem regarding transparency and communication, Russell stresses that collaboration between drivers, the FIA, and Formula 1 management remains fundamental. The GPDA’s open letter from November 2023, which called on Ben Sulayem to “treat them like adults” amid a harsh swearing ban, was a rare public confrontation, but Russell advocates for constructive dialogue moving forward.
Reflecting on the relationship with the FIA leadership, Russell shared his perspective:
“I know different sports have different set-ups, and ultimately, at least from my personal standpoint – not one of GPDA – you just want to collectively work with those around you to get the best for everyone,”
he explained. He added,
“We don’t want to fight against the FIA. We don’t want to fight against F1, you want to work together with them, to get the most for them as a sport, the most for them as a regulatory body, and then the most for us as drivers. You want to rise together and fall together. How do you achieve that? That’s another thing.”
Russell has commended FIA race director Rui Marques and sporting director Tim Malyon for their openness and responsiveness to drivers’ concerns since joining their roles.
“It’s been very refreshing having Rui Marques on board as race director. I feel he and [FIA sporting director] Tim Malyon have been exceptionally receptive. They listen and they react, and I think collectively, we’re all substantially happier now with where we are.”
—George Russell, Formula 1 driver
Dealing with Criticism While Speaking Out on Safety and Other Issues
Russell’s outspoken nature on safety and the sport’s broader direction has invited criticism and scrutiny, similar to experiences of other drivers who have spoken openly, such as McLaren’s Lando Norris with his mental health advocacy. Despite this, Russell remains undeterred and chooses not to engage with negativity.
When asked about managing public opinions, he acknowledged the inevitability of diverse views but maintains a focus on his priorities.
“You get to a point where you don’t even look at it or read it, because everyone’s got a different opinion. Everyone’s open to their view. But it’s not something that really concerns me at all, to be honest. I don’t look, so it doesn’t bother me.”
—George Russell, Formula 1 driver
Why George Russell’s Safety Advocacy Is Critical for Formula 1’s Future
George Russell’s persistent efforts highlight how safety advocacy in Formula 1 is driven not just by regulations but by genuine empathy and lived experience within the paddock. His front-row perspective on some of the most unsettling incidents of recent years stands as a reminder of the sport’s inherent risks and the necessity for continued vigilance.
As the sport evolves, Russell’s leadership role in the GPDA positions him as a vital voice to influence further safety innovations and ensure drivers‘ welfare remains paramount. His approach reflects a deep conviction to make Formula 1 safer for future generations, fostering a culture where open communication between drivers, officials, and teams is central to progress.
With the FIA and F1 management appearing more receptive, and driver unity strengthening, Russell’s advocacy is likely to accelerate reforms and maintain safety as a core priority, shaping the sport’s path ahead.
