George Russell wants to be third in the World Championship

Russell breaks silence on traumatic event: 'I only saw flames'

12:42, 11 Aug

Updated: 15:15, 11 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell has made it clear that his role as a driver extends beyond simply racing. Highlighting his commitment as co-chair of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), the Mercedes driver stressed that driver safety remains the cornerstone of his tenure, while also addressing the evolving relationship between the grid and the FIA.

George Russell has made it clear that his role as a driver extends beyond simply racing.

Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com, the Mercedes driver said: “I don't have the goal of leaving any legacy. That's not what I'm talking about."

"But if I see an opportunity to improve something, then I address it – especially when it comes to track or vehicle safety.”

Mercedes would have the strongest engine in '26

'Russell opens up on Grosjean incident'

Russell recalled how several harrowing incidents have shaped his perspective, from Billy Monger’s accident in 2017 and Anthoine Hubert’s fatal crash in 2019, to Romain Grosjean’s fiery Bahrain shunt in 2020.

“I drove past him and only saw flames in the rear-view mirror… it can happen to anyone, even the world’s best driver.”

'F1 drivers more united than ever before, but not against the FIA or F1'

The Briton says today’s F1 grid is “closer and more united than ever”, citing the GPDA’s open letter to the FIA calling for greater respect and a voice in decision-making.

While FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem initially dismissed the request, Russell insists the goal is collaboration.

“We don't want to fight against the FIA. We don't want to fight Formula 1. We want to work with both of them so that they achieve the best – and so do we as drivers.”