George Russell claps back at FIA with four-word retort as swearing saga rumbles on

made it clear that 'words don't mean anything' unless the takes action after the organisation's president, , stated that the governing body is considering making changes to the unpopular driver conduct regulations. Ben Sulayem has been the willing frontman in the FIA's fight against swearing in motorsport. The governing body dealt a community service punishment to Max Verstappen in Singapore last year for swearing in a press conference, and doubled down on its harsh approach with new regulations during the off-season.

These regulations introduced scaling financial and sporting punishments for language and public acts that the FIA deemed harmful to the organisation and wider motorsport. F1 drivers widely criticised the changes, which threatened fines of up to £101,400 (€120,000), and even a one-month ban from racing, alongside championship point deductions.

On social media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem released a statement explaining that, following widespread criticism, he and his organisation are considering backtracking on their winter regulation changes.

"Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships, I am considering making improvements to Appendix B," he posted. "By listening to one another and working collaboratively, we continue to drive a positive future for the sport we all care so deeply about."

These comments were put to Russell in the press conference at the Miami International Autodrome. The Mercedes racer is the head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, and has been vocal in calling out the FIA's decision to threaten extreme financial penalties for language slip-ups.

"Conceptually, yes," he replied when asked if the statement was a step in the right direction. "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. So it's just, the words don't mean anything until the change has been made."

Russell has the backing of former Mercedes team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, too. The seven-time world champion explained: "Ultimately, we don't hold a power seat at the table, and that needs to change in my opinion. If you look at other sports that have unions, that may be something that comes into play at some stage.

"We don't want to control things. We just want to collaborate with them and have our voices heard. People are making decisions for others that have never been in that position, so it is good to have the point of view from the drivers' perspective."