Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 14, 2021 Williams’ George Russell in action during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 14, 2021 Williams’ George Russell in action during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Earlier, news broke that George Russell is replacing Romain Grosjean as the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director. Of course, considering that Grosjean is no longer in F1, it was understood that he would be replaced eventually.
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However, this does beg the question, What is the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association?
In essence, it is a trade union comprising of Formula One drivers. It is also noteworthy that GPDA members need not be active Formula One drivers. Before Grosjean, Jenson Button served as the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director, succeeding Rubens Barrichello.
History of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association
Back in 1961, members elected to form the association, with Sir Stirling Moss as the chairman. The organization’s primary aim was to seek representation on the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) in the FIA. The GPDA will actively seek to improve safety standards and provisions for drivers and spectators.
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KANNAPOLIS, NC – SEPTEMBER 29: Romain Grosjean of France speaks during a press conference as Haas F1 Team announces Grosjean as their driver for the upcoming 2016 Formula 1 season on September 29, 2015 in Kannapolis, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Stewart-Haas Racing via Getty Images)
Admittedly, the GPDA dissolved in 1982, due to the changing commercial arrangements. Another factor behind the dissolution was a conflict between the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA) and FIA. However, Niki Lauda, Christian Fittipaldi, Michael Schumacher, and Gerhard Berger re-established it in 1994.
The impetus behind the move was the tragic events of that year’s San Marino Grand Prix. Interestingly, Ayrton Senna had set the foundation for its return after Ratzenberger’s fatal crash and a crash involving Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian spoke to former teammate and rival Alain Prost and offered to take the Chairman role.
In 1996, the company earned some recognition and even has permanent offices in Monaco. Since then, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has been going strong. It is also interesting to note that legal adviser Anastasia Fowle is the first non F1-affiliated person to be the director. So, she will share duties with Williams F1 driver, George Russell.
For the moment, George Russell and the other drivers will focus on the 2021 Formula One season. So far, Russell and his contemporaries can be proud of the fact that F1’s safety has been taken seriously over the years. The fiery accident of Romain Grosjean, where he managed to escape serious injury, is testament to that.
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