Formula One veteran Carlos Sainz Jr. has been named as the new director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), stepping into the shoes of retired four-time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel. As we approach the 2025 F1 season, Sainz’s appointment punctuates his unwavering dedication to the sport and his colleagues, marking a new era of leadership within the drivers’ union.
The GPDA has historically been the collective mouthpiece for Formula One drivers, addressing critical issues concerning safety, regulations, and the overall trajectory of the sport. With Vettel bidding adieu to his illustrious career at the close of the 2022 season, a leadership vacuum was created within the association. Sainz, who is on the brink of his 11th full F1 season, was the obvious choice to fill this void.
The Spanish driver, an ardent advocate for the sport, expressed his enthusiasm about his new role. “I am passionate about my sport and believe that we drivers have a responsibility to collaborate with stakeholders to advance the sport in various aspects. I’m extremely proud and delighted to contribute by taking on the director’s role,” stated Sainz.
Joining the leadership ranks with Sainz are GPDA members George Russell of Mercedes, legal consultant Anastasia Fowle, and ex-F1 driver Alexander Wurz, who will continue as chairman. Wurz warmly welcomed Sainz’s appointment, acknowledging his commitment to the best interests of Formula 1 and its drivers.
Sainz’s role within the GPDA dovetails with his recent transfer to Williams Racing. Following a successful four-year stint with Scuderia Ferrari, during which he clinched four Grand Prix victories, Sainz cleared the path for seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari from Mercedes in a much-publicized switch. This change prompted Sainz to ink a multi-year contract with Williams, with the intent to use his experience to uplift the team’s performance.
Sainz’s decision to join Williams, a team with a rich history but recent struggles in F1, was driven by a desire to help the team reclaim its former glory. Sainz said, “The fact that it’s a historic team trying to claw its way back to the top was a major incentive for me, as it was at McLaren and Ferrari.”
As the 2025 season unfolds, Williams eyes a fresh chapter with Sainz pairing up with Alexander Albon. The duo, fondly called ‘Carbono’, intends to inject a mix of experience and youthful verve into the team. Sainz recently unveiled the FW47, the car set to take on the upcoming season, at Silverstone. The official livery will make its debut at the F1 75 Live event at The O2 Arena, underlining the team’s revitalized ambitions.
Despite the uphill task, Sainz remains pragmatic yet optimistic about the team’s future. He said, “We may not compete for the top-three positions next year, but I am confident that we will make progress.”
Pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26 to 28 will afford the team an opportunity to fine-tune the FW47 and evaluate its competitiveness. The drivers and technical team are united in their goal to extract optimum performance from the car, hoping to make significant strides throughout the season.
Beyond his racing commitments, Sainz’s role in the GPDA highlights his commitment to the broader aspects of the sport. The association plays an integral part in championing drivers’ interests, especially in relation to safety standards and regulatory amendments. As technology and race formats evolve, the GPDA’s insights ensure that drivers’ viewpoints are factored into decision-making processes.
Sainz, with his diverse experience across Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams, is uniquely positioned to bring a fresh perspective to the GPDA. His broad understanding of the sport’s dynamics should enable him to effectively represent his peers.
As Sainz gears up for the dual roles of key driver for Williams and director within the GPDA, his multifaceted contribution to Formula One is set to become even more pronounced. Enthusiasts and stakeholders will be closely watching how his influence steers both his team’s fortunes and the wider sport’s evolution in the coming years.