Williams driver Carlos Sainz joins George Russell as an active Formula 1 driver representative in the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.
In a move announced earlier on Sunday February 23, Carlos Sainz has been appointed as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), replacing retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
This makes Sainz and George Russell the only two active F1 drivers involved in the management of the organization that represents driver interests.
The GPDA, which advocates for driver safety and rights, has been led by chairman Alexander Wurz since 2014.
Russell joined the GPDA’s management in 2021, and with Sainz now onboard, they, along with Anastasia Fowle (who handles legal matters), complete the organization’s leadership team.
Sainz expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am passionate about my sport and think we drivers have a responsibility to do all we can to work with the stakeholders to forward the sport in many aspects. So, I’m very happy and proud to do my part by taking on the director’s role in the GPDA.”
This news comes amidst a flurry of activity in the F1 world, including the controversial booing of Max Verstappen at a recent event, prompting his father to speak out against the hostile reception.
The GPDA, formed in 1961 and reformed in 1994 following the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, has been instrumental in pushing for improved safety standards in Formula 1.
In recent years, the GPDA has also addressed non-racing matters, such as driver safety concerns at the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and advocating for driver expression rights.
