Formula 1 drivers are expressing growing frustration with the FIA's lack of transparency and communication, particularly following the unexpected removal of race director Niels Wittich with just three races remaining in the season.

GPDA chairman George Russell revealed drivers were not consulted or informed about Wittich's departure, learning about it alongside the public. This comes shortly after the Grand Prix Drivers Association sent an open letter to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem requesting more transparency about monetary fines and better communication.

"We want to be transparent with the FIA and have this dialogue that is happening," Russell stated. "The departure of Niels is a prime example of not being a part of these conversations."

The timing of appointing new race director Rui Marques has raised concerns among drivers and team principals, particularly given the challenging nature of the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz emphasized the crucial relationship between drivers and the race director, calling for open communication and collaboration with Marques.

The situation reflects broader instability within the FIA, with multiple senior personnel departures over the past year, including compliance officer Paolo Basarri. Lewis Hamilton noted, "At the moment it feels like everything is falling apart with all the people leaving left, right, and center."

Russell summarized the drivers' sentiment: "There's a number of drivers who feel probably a bit fed up with the whole situation. And it only seems to be going in, to a degree, the wrong direction." The drivers are calling for increased stability and better collaboration with the FIA to improve the sport's governance.

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