Carlos Sainz has been chosen by his fellow Formula 1 drivers as the new director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). He will share this position with George Russell, who has been part of the union’s directorship since 2021. The GPDA’s primary function is to represent the interests of F1 drivers, focusing initially on preserving their safety on the grid. Over time, the union has become involved in other issues affecting drivers.
The GPDA held a meeting with its members to decide on a new director after Sebastian Vettel’s withdrawal. All current drivers competing in the category were eligible for the position, but ultimately, Sainz was selected as the new director. “I love my sport, and I think drivers have the responsibility to do everything possible to work with the interested parties and make the sport better in many aspects,” Sainz stated after his selection.
Sainz expressed his happiness and pride in assuming the role of director in the GPDA. For him, this is a new opportunity to become more involved and defend the interests of drivers. He shared his thoughts on the new position, saying, “I am very happy and proud to make my part assuming the role of director in the GPDA.”
Sainz’s Opinion on New Sanctions
A recent controversial issue is the new regulation that imposes penalties on drivers who use profanity. This has not been well received by the F1 grid. Sainz has shared his opinion on the matter, stating, “In controlled environments, such as press conferences, drivers must be mature enough to know when to control their language.” He believes that drivers should be old enough to understand what to say and what not to say, considering it a matter of education and manners.
However, Sainz does not entirely agree with this new implementation. He understands that drivers may use profanity over the radio during races due to the intense emotions they experience while driving. Sainz argues that it’s not fair to be too hard on this issue, as it’s difficult to understand the pressure and adrenaline drivers feel inside the car. He thinks that having such unguarded moments is good for F1 and should be preserved.
Ultimately, Sainz defends his position on the subject, explaining that the passion and emotions drivers display, even if they sometimes curse on the radio, are essential to Formula 1 and should not be eliminated.