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Carlos Sainz Jr., new F1 Drivers' Association director

Carlos Sainz has been appointed head of the Formula 1 Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), a position previously held by former German driver Sebastian Vettel. The Spaniard joins George Russell and legal consultant Anastasia Fowle on the board, under the chairmanship of Austrian Alex Wurz.

Sainz, currently at Williams, has been an active member of the GPDA in recent years and has shown his commitment to the development of the sport. In his first statements following his appointment, he said he takes on this new challenge with responsibility and pride, convinced that drivers have a key role to play in the evolution of Formula 1.

The GPDA is the organisation that represents the interests of the drivers within the paddock and has a fundamental role in matters of safety, regulations and racing conditions. In recent years, it has played a key role in defending riders' rights and in negotiations with the FIA and Formula 1.

The association's president, Alex Wurz, welcomed Sainz's addition to the management team, highlighting his involvement and commitment to the GPDA. ‘Carlos has been an active voice within the association for years, and we are delighted that he is stepping forward to take on greater responsibilities,’ he said.

One of the most relevant issues the GPDA has been involved in recently has been the debate over Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership of the FIA. The association has been unhappy with some of the body's decisions, particularly in relation to the handling of penalties and the treatment of drivers.

Last year, the GPDA expressed concern over the sanction imposed on Max Verstappen, who was sentenced to community service following an incident at a press conference. On that occasion, the drivers called for greater respect and transparency in the management of the FIA, stressing the importance of decisions being fair and in line with the professionalism of the sportsmen.

As the new head of the GPDA, Sainz will have the responsibility to continue this work, ensuring that the drivers have a strong voice in decision-making. He will also have to address issues of safety and race conditions, which have been a priority for the association in recent years.

The appointment comes at a key moment in Carlos Sainz's career. After his time at Ferrari, the Spaniard is facing a new phase at Williams, where he is looking to consolidate his position as one of the most competitive drivers on the grid. His experience in different teams and his knowledge of the inner workings of Formula 1 make him an ideal candidate to represent his teammates in the GPDA.