Carlos Sainz has been appointed as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), taking over from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. The 30-year-old, who recently made a high-profile switch from Ferrari to Williams, now joins George Russell, chairman Alex Wurz, and legal advisor Anastasia Fowle in representing drivers’ interests at the highest level.
Sainz’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the GPDA, which has been at odds with the FIA over various regulatory issues. “I am passionate about my sport and think we drivers have a responsibility to do all we can to work with stakeholders to forward the sport in many aspects,” Sainz said via the GPDA’s Instagram. “So I’m very happy and proud to do my part by taking on the directors’ role.”
The GPDA, formed in the 1960s, has historically played a vital role in driver safety, advocating for crucial changes such as the introduction of the halo device in 2018. However, its focus has expanded beyond safety in recent years, particularly as tensions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have grown.
A major flashpoint has been the FIA’s controversial new rule allowing drivers to face potential race bans for swearing. World Rally driver Adrien Fourmaux became the first to be penalized under the regulation, receiving a €10,000 fine after using swear words in a TV interview. Sainz has spoken out against the rule, arguing that while drivers should be mindful of their language, strict punishments are unnecessary.
Last November, the GPDA issued an open letter urging the FIA to treat drivers as adults and questioning the transparency of financial penalties. Their frustration was sparked by Max Verstappen’s punishment for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, which resulted in him being assigned “public interest” work.
With Sainz now in a leadership role, the GPDA continues to push for greater driver autonomy. How the FIA responds could shape the future of the sport’s governance.
