Russell’s feedback come at a turbulent time within the relationship between the drivers and the FIA.
Because the final race in Brazil, the GPDA put out an open letter asking the FIA to deal with them “like adults”, after an issue over drivers swearing in information conferences.
The letter additionally made a reference to a scarcity of transparency over how cash for fines for driving transgressions was getting used.
Wittich’s departure adopted just a few days later, and shortly after that it emerged that the FIA compliance officer Paolo Basarri had additionally been sacked.
Russell mentioned: “Speaking as a fellow driver versus my function with the GPDA, everyone felt with sure issues which have occurred that we wished to face united.
“On the finish of the day we simply wish to be clear with the FIA and have this dialogue.
“And the departure of Niels is a primary instance of not being a part of these conversations. (The letter) is type of us placing the strain again on them.”
Russell admitted that the drivers weren’t absolutely content material with some features of Wittich’s work since he grew to become race director firstly of the 2022 season. The German has been changed by ex-System 2 and System 3 race director Rui Marques for the ultimate three races of the season, beginning in Las Vegas this weekend.
He mentioned: “There is no such thing as a secret that some weren’t pleased with what was happening by way of the choices that have been being made, however he labored along with us and we might have helped enhance the matter.
“Generally simply hiring and firing just isn’t the answer. Let’s examine what this new period brings, however each time you make a change you need to make one step again earlier than you are taking two steps ahead.”
McLaren driver Lando Norris mentioned: “I do not know what is going on on there. Clearly issues aren’t working as easily as we might need.”
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen echoed Russell’s feedback, saying that the drivers felt ignored in contrast with the times of the previous FIA F1 director Charlie Whiting, who died on the eve of the 2019 season.
“I evaluate with the Charlie Whiting days,” Magnussen mentioned. “He was somebody we felt actually related to and we have been actually being listened to, however now we really feel it’s extra us towards them and it needs to be a more in-depth connection. We may also help rather a lot.”
