GPDA has a new director replacing Sebastian Vettel: the name chosen among the 20 drivers. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has unanimously voted for its new director.

The GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) is changing its director as Sebastian Vettel steps down. The four-time Formula 1 world champion had held the role since 2010.

George Russell then took the reins of the association, launching its social media page last year.

The GPDA represents the interests of F1 drivers. Founded in 1961 and revived in 1994 following the tragic deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola, the association’s primary goal is to ensure driver safety on the track.

In 2014, former F1 driver Alexander Wurz became its new president, expanding its scope to broader issues. Among its latest interests is improving the sport for fans, teams, and drivers, with a focus on regulations. F1 must strike the right balance between sport and entertainment to maintain engagement.

Within the GPDA, Wurz is supported by three directors: Anastasia Fowle (a lawyer) and two others elected by the drivers. The most recent appointees were George Russell, who replaced Romain Grosjean in early 2021, and Sebastian Vettel.

With Sebastian Vettel’s retirement from F1, the drivers gathered to vote for his replacement. After careful discussions, the members elected Carlos Sainz as the new director.

“I am passionate about my sport, and I believe we drivers have a responsibility to do everything possible to work with stakeholders to promote the sport in many aspects,” the Williams driver stated. “So I am very happy and proud to do my part by taking on the role of director in the GPDA.”

Why Sainz’s appointment is crucial for the GPDA

Carlos Sainz’s election as the new GPDA director comes at an interesting time. Relations between the FIA and F1 drivers have grown increasingly tense, especially in light of the latest regulations regarding language use.

The Spaniard recently spoke on this issue. While agreeing that drivers should set an example, he believes certain emotions cannot be suppressed during a race. “In controlled environments like press conferences, drivers should be mature enough to know when it’s time to control their language,” he said.

“I don’t think we should swear in such situations. I believe we are old enough to know what to say and what not to say. For me, it’s just a matter of education and good manners.”