Announcing the appointment on Instagram, Sainz expressed his enthusiasm for the role, 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 directors' role in the GPDA.”
Wurz welcomed Sainz’s inclusion, emphasizing his long-standing engagement with the GPDA and his commitment to the drivers’ collective interests.
Sainz joins an organization with a long history of advocating for driver safety, dating back to its formation in the early 1960s. The GPDA has played a crucial role in improving safety standards in Formula 1, with one of its most notable contributions being the push for the introduction of the ‘halo’ head protection device, implemented in 2018. This innovation has since been credited with saving multiple lives in serious accidents.
However, in recent years, tensions between the GPDA and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem have escalated. The latest controversy revolves around the FIA’s decision to enforce penalties, including potential race bans, for swearing. While Sainz has acknowledged the importance of maintaining professionalism, he argues that such severe punishments are unnecessary.
In response to growing concerns, the GPDA has demanded greater transparency from the FIA on how fines are determined and allocated. Their calls for clarity intensified after Max Verstappen was penalized for swearing during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. Despite an open letter addressing these issues, the FIA has yet to provide a formal response.
With his appointment, Sainz joins a leadership group determined to ensure drivers have a stronger voice in shaping the future of Formula 1 governance and regulations.
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