George Russell demands change to all F1 circuits as Mercedes star makes unusual request

wants F1 circuits to implement better facilities for drivers after bemoaning the lack of sufficient toilets and showers at the Suzuka Circuit. The racer is the current head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association and is using his position to speak out on behalf of the other racers. The legendary Suzuka Circuit is considered one of the most iconic racetracks in the world and is often touted by drivers as their favourite to experience behind the wheel. However, according to Russell, significant improvements could be made to the facilities.

Explaining the Brit's request on his notebook segment, Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz said: "One storyline that you might have seen that you might find interesting is that George Russell, as head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has bemoaned the state of too few paddock facilities - the loos here at Suzuka - and that the drivers have to share, or that there's not enough of them."

After pointing out one of just two toilet facilities in the paddock, Kravitz added: "And George wants the circuits to put in more facilities for the drivers, and shower facilities."

According to a report from earlier in the weekend, Russell's request at Friday's driver meeting was born from frustration about the lack of ease with which drivers can locate and use facilities in between moving their cars onto the grid and the national anthem ceremony starting.

Typically, drivers would use the toilets within their garages, but on these occasions, they sometimes have to run to public facilities within the paddock. The time crunch is intensified by the risk of significant fines if drivers are late for the national anthem ceremonies.

One driver was caught out by the national anthem ceremony on Sunday in Japan. Williams racer Carlos Sainz was called to the stewards after the Grand Prix in Suzuka and received a £17,000 fine (€20,000), half of which was suspended.

"During the Drivers' Briefing on Friday, all drivers were reminded of the requirement to be in position by the time prescribed in the regulations and the need to show respect for the host country's Anthem," the stewards explained.

"It is noted that the Penalty Guidelines prescribed in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, list a penalty for this offence, of €60,000. However, in mitigation, the Driver stated that just prior to the Anthem, he experienced discomfort due [to] a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid.

"This was verified by Dr Messina of Med-Ex who confirmed the issue and stated he had provided appropriate medication for the Driver. Notwithstanding the above, displaying respect for the National Anthem is a high priority, and all parties need to consider every eventuality in planning to be in position for the Anthem by the required time."