Carlos Sainz has been officially confirmed as the new GPDA director marking a significant shift in leadership within the organization.
This appointment follows the departure of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who retired from F1 at the end of 2022 and subsequently stepped down from his Grand Prix Drivers’ Association(GPDA) role last year.
Sainz’s transition into the GPDA director role coincides with his move from Ferrari to Williams for the 2025 F1 season. This change not only signifies a new chapter in his racing career but also positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of the sport alongside his fellow drivers.
With over a decade of experience in F1, the accomplished Spanish driver brings valuable insights to the GPDA leadership group, which includes chairman Alex Wurz, Mercedes driver George Russell, and legal advisor Anastasia Fowle.
Reflecting on his new role, Carlos Sainz expressed his commitment to the sport stating: “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.”
GPDA chairman Alex Wurz welcomed Sainz as the new director highlighting his long-standing involvement with the association.
“We are delighted to welcome Carlos as a GPDA director,” Wurz said. “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 roles of GPDA director
The GPDA plays a pivotal role in representing drivers’ interests and advocating for safety and fair treatment within the sport.
In his new capacity, Carlos Sainz will work closely with other GPDA members to address critical issues facing Formula 1 today. Safety remains a top priority, and the GPDA has been instrumental in advocating for measures such as improved cockpit protection and enhanced circuit safety standards.
Additionally, Sainz is likely to engage with topics such as sustainability and diversity within motorsport, aligning with Formula 1’s goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and increase inclusivity across all levels of competition.
Sainz’s take on swearing controversy
Sainz’s appointment comes at a time when the GPDA is actively engaging with the FIA over recent regulations, including a strict stance on driver conduct and language.
The FIA’s new penalty system for swearing has sparked criticism among drivers, with the GPDA advocating for fair treatment and freedom of expression.
Last year, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem initiated a clampdown on driver expression which saw Max Verstappen perform community service as punishment for swearing in a press conference.
This prompted the GPDA to release a public letter questioning the president’s approach to addressing drivers.
As Sainz steps into his new role, he faces the task of navigating these challenges while representing his fellow drivers’ interests. His ability to connect with people across different facets of Formula 1 will be invaluable in this capacity.
Speaking about the matter recently, the 30-year old said that while he agreed drivers should act like role models in press conferences, it was important not to remove the raw emotion that is shown when they are racing.
“In controlled environments, like press conferences, drivers should be mature enough to know when to control swearing,” he said.
“I don’t think we should be swearing in those situations, and I think we’re old enough and sane enough to know what to say and not to say. For me that’s just a matter of education and manners.
“Now, what we say on the radio, I don’t agree with what is happening. I think you cannot be too tough on this kind of thing, because you cannot understand the pressure, the adrenaline and the way we feel inside the car when we open that radio.
“And I honestly think for F1 it’s good to have those kinds of moments.”
Carlos Sainz’s appointment as GPDA director comes after his move to Williams following a four-year tenure with Ferrari, which ended with the team securing a spot for seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season.
