Russell asks for clarity over key FIA dismissals

DOHA - Mercedes driver George Russell expressed concern about further departures from Formula One's governing body on Nov 28, and wondered who was next for the sack after two senior figures left.

- REUTERS

The BBC quoted steward Tim Mayer, an American who is also sporting organiser of the three United States grands prix, saying he had been fired via text message by an assistant to International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Mayer also said he was "incredulous" at the departure of deputy Formula Two race director Janette Tan, which leaves new Formula One race director Rui Marques handling both series in Qatar this weekend.

He told the BBC that Tan, who is also the director of race operations at the Singapore Grand Prix, is "the epitome of the type of person we want working for the FIA, the best of the next generation of race directors".

"I don't know the circumstances, but one would think they would work very hard to keep someone of her character," he added.

When contacted by The Straits Times, Tan said she has no further comments.