Carlos Sainz named GPDA director, replaces Vettel

Carlos Sainz has been elected as the new director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), succeeding Sebastian Vettel, who retired in 2022. Sainz, who recently joined Williams after leaving Ferrari, expressed his commitment to work collaboratively with stakeholders to advance the sport. He joins George Russell, chairman Alex Wurz, and Anastasia Fowle in representing the interests of F1 drivers. The GPDA serves as a platform for drivers to voice concerns, particularly regarding FIA's recent stringent rules on swearing, with Sainz advocating for a balanced approach to penalties. His appointment is viewed positively within the paddock, highlighting his respected status among peers. Team principal James Vowles praised Sainz's impressive adaptation during testing, affirming the team's confidence in his abilities.