F1: Carlos Sainz Replaces Sebastian Vettel as GPDA Director
Carlos Sainz takes over from Sebastian Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022 and stepped down from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) last year.
By Divyam Dubey
Carlos Sainz has joined the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) as a director, replacing Sebastian Vettel. The Williams driver now shares the role with George Russell, making them the only two active Formula 1 racers in the organisation’s leadership. Russell had been the sole representative since Vettel retired from F1 at the end of 2022.
The GPDA plays a key role in protecting drivers' interests in Formula 1. Former F1 driver and double Le Mans winner Alexander Wurz has led the association as chairman since 2014, while Russell has been part of the leadership since 2021. The management team also includes legal director Anastasia Fowle, who handles the organisation’s legal matters effectively.
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Carlos Sainz said: “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.”
About GPDA
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) was founded in 1961 to improve safety in Formula 1. At a time when racing was extremely dangerous, the organisation aimed to protect both drivers and spectators by pushing for better safety standards.
After a period of inactivity, the GPDA was revived in 1994 following the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at Imola. Since then, it has remained a strong voice for driver safety and rights in the sport.
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Beyond racing, the GPDA has played a key role in major off-track issues. In 2022, it was involved in discussions after a missile attack near the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix nearly led to a drivers’ strike. In 2023, it urged FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to treat drivers with more respect amid stricter regulations on driver expression.
