Another F1 related chapter is closing for four times World Champion Sebastian Vettel, and a new one begins for Carlos Sainz with the GPDA. In fact, the former Red Bull driver is officially stepping down from his role of Director for the Grand Prix Drivers Association.
A new signing
Vettel had first been appointed in 2010. He continued covering the role even after his Formula 1 retirement in 2022.
Williams driver and four times GP winner Carlos Sainz will replace the German in leading the driver association. Sainz will join George Russell, who will no longer be the only GPDA director with an active Formula 1 career and who had first joined in 2021.
The duo will work closely with chairman Alex Wurz, former McLaren and Williams driver now competing in World Endurance Championship for Toyota, and fellow director Anastasia Fowle, the first woman in the history of the association to cover the role while providing legal, business and strategical advice to the group.
Sainz in a new role for GPDA
Sainz is excited to take up a more active role. He will assist his fellow drivers and amplify their voices, complaints and suggestions. The Spanish driver commented on the announcement:
“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.”
Chairman Wurz saluted his new appointee, praising his interest and participation in all matters and engagements organized by the Association.
“We are delighted to welcome Carlos as GPDA Director. He has been an active and engaged member of the GPDA for several years and we sincerely appreciate his commitment in stepping up to this vital role.”
The GPDA began its works in 1961 in order to promote higher safety standards at a time during which casualties were unfortunately extremely common. The GPDA has played a role in the implementation of a number of innovative technologies such as the Halo barrier and the Hans system. Lately, the GPDA had expanded their areas of interest, promoting measures to improve the drivers’ physical and mental wellness and expressing their displeasure with the newest rules against swearing and opinion sharing implemented by the FIA.
