2021 Formula One season was perhaps one of the most spectacular and yet controversial that we have acknowledged over the last few years.

There were several occasions when the F1 governing body faced serious backlash. Two of them included the two-hours delayed start at the Belgian GP which ended with only two laps ran behind the safety car as well as the chaotic season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton's new teammate Russell was among those who outspokenly criticized the FIA for the crazy finale in Abu Dhabi labelling Michael Masi’s decision as “unacceptable”.

“I think in sports there is always a huge amount of pressure on every individual, being that the athletes, the coaches, the engineers, referees and race directors," but added: 

“I think we have all come to the agreement that what happened in Abu Dhabi was incorrect,” the driver commented during a session with selected media, MotorLAT included.

In light of the unfortunate events that, willingly or not, have determined the outcome of last season’s championship, Formula One has announced earlier this week the introduction of a few regulation changes.

First off, Michael Masi has been removed from his role as Formula 1 Race Director and offered a new position within the FIA. Moreover, an off-site VAR-style system – similar to the one used in football – will be introduced to aid with decision making and ensure the correct implementation of sporting regulations.

George Russell was asked his opinion on the changes to F1’s governing body.

“We [all the drivers] did speak with the FIA throughout the winter but, to be fair, they were incredibly proactive straightaway after Abu Dhabi to find better solutions.

“I think the VAR-solution is great and it makes total sense to have further assistance to analyze live what happens and have quicker decisions in place.

“You know, time progresses, things move on, teams and drivers are trying everything to exploit the rulebook at their advantage so I think the FIA needs to do more to compensate that,” the new Mercedes driver said.

“It will take time to refine but I think it is definitely a step in the right direction”.

With the choice of replacing Masi with WEC race director Eduardo Freitas and former DTM man Niels Wittich, Hamilton’s new teammate was asked whether or not the FIA should apologize with the seven-time world champion.

“The changes [i.e., Michael Masi being replaced] have been made because of the outcome of Abu Dhabi…but whether or not Lewis shall be owed an apology, I think that is a question for Lewis to answer,” Russell said.

“Mistakes happen when the heat of the moment is on and people’s emotions are high.

Then, he concluded:

“Finger crossed with the changes introduced by the FIA, things like that won’t happen again.”