Mercedes driver George Russell expressed concern about further departures from Formula One's governing body on Thursday and wondered who was next to be fired after the departure of two senior figures.

The BBC quoted steward Tim Mayer, an American who is also sporting organizer of the three U.S. races, saying he had been fired via text message by an assistant to 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.