I’m potentially representing the younger half of the grid: George Russell

The safety of the driver has always been the top priority of the FIA and the racers in Formula 1 and one such driver’s organization that ensures it is the GPDA.

The GPDA was founded in 1961 and represents the drivers’ interests, particularly focusing on safety. Russell joins fellow director Sebastian Vettel and chairman Alex Wurz on the board, which also includes the group’s legal advisor Anastasia Fowle.

Russell, at just 23 has just begun his third season in F1, explained in Bahrain why he took the role and what he’s most looking forward to about being the GPDA’s new director alongside Vettel.

‘I was always quite vocal,’ Russell explains his inclusion in the GPDA

Russell explained in length about his mindset before taking the big decision.

“Firstly, I mean I wanted to take on that role because I think what the GPDA has done over so many years has been great for the sport, whenever we’ve had our debriefings between all of the drivers which, in 2019 was very common – probably once after every two Grands Prix we’d stay after the drivers’ briefing and we’d all talk about certain issues or ways we could improve the sport,” he said.

“I was always quite vocal, I always quite enjoyed putting my opinion forward, and I guess having a voice for the drivers is something I’m quite proud of it to be honest,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to that and I think I have a very good relationship with a lot of the younger drivers. I guess Sebastian is sort of representing the older half of the grid; I’m potentially representing the younger half of the grid,” he said with a laugh.

The second round of the F1 2021 Championship will take place at Imola this week and Russell will look to finish inside the points.

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