In a significant development ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, Carlos Sainz Jr. has been appointed as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), succeeding the retired four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
This move underscores Sainz’s commitment to the sport and his peers, as he steps into a leadership role within the drivers’ union.
Carlos Sainz Joins GPDA Leadership
The GPDA serves as the collective voice of Formula One drivers, addressing concerns related to safety, regulations, and the overall direction of the sport. With Vettel’s retirement at the end of the 2022 season, a vacancy emerged in the association’s leadership. Sainz, now entering his 11th full season in Formula One, has been an active member of the GPDA and was a natural choice for the director’s role.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Sainz stated, “I am passionate about my sport and think we drivers have a responsibility to do all we can to work with the stakeholders to forward the sport in many aspects. So I’m very happy and proud to do my part by taking on the directors’ role.”
Joining Sainz in the GPDA leadership are Mercedes driver George Russell, legal consultant Anastasia Fowle, and former Formula One driver Alexander Wurz, who continues as chairman. Wurz welcomed Sainz’s appointment, noting, “We are delighted to welcome Carlos as a GPDA director, and we sincerely appreciate his commitment to working for the best interests of Formula 1 and its drivers.”
Transition from Ferrari to Williams
Sainz’s new role with the GPDA coincides with his recent move to Williams Racing. After four seasons with Scuderia Ferrari, during which he secured four Grand Prix victories, Sainz made way for seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in a high-profile switch from Mercedes.
This transition led Sainz to sign a multi-year deal with Williams, aiming to leverage his experience to elevate the team’s performance.
Reflecting on his decision to join Williams, Sainz remarked, “I had from the beginning a good feeling and it motivated me that it is a historic team that wants to find its way back to the top. That was already an incentive at McLaren and Ferrari.”
Williams, a team with a storied history in Formula One, has faced challenges in recent years. Sainz’s arrival is seen as a strategic move to infuse the team with fresh insights and drive. Team Principal James Vowles expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the long-term vision to return Williams to its competitive roots.
The Road Ahead for Williams
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Williams, with Sainz partnering alongside Alexander Albon. The duo, nicknamed ‘Carbono,’ aims to bring a blend of experience and youthful energy to the team. During the car’s unveiling at Silverstone, Sainz showcased the FW47, the vehicle set to compete in the upcoming season. The official livery will be revealed at the F1 75 Live event at The O2 Arena, highlighting the team’s renewed ambitions.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Sainz remains realistic yet hopeful about the team’s prospects. He noted, “We will probably not be fighting for top-three positions next year, but I am very confident that we will make a step forward.”
The pre-season testing is scheduled to take place from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain, providing the team with an opportunity to fine-tune the FW47 and assess its competitiveness. Both drivers and the technical team are focused on extracting maximum performance from the car, aiming to make tangible progress throughout the season.
Sainz’s Broader Impact on Formula One
Beyond his on-track endeavors, Sainz’s involvement with the GPDA signifies his dedication to the broader aspects of the sport. The association plays a crucial role in advocating for drivers’ interests, particularly concerning safety standards and regulatory changes. With evolving technologies and race formats, the GPDA’s input ensures that drivers’ perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
Sainz’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the GPDA, especially given his experiences across multiple teams, including Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams.
His diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s dynamics, enabling him to effectively represent his peers.
As the 2025 season approaches, Sainz’s dual roles—as a key driver for Williams and a director within the GPDA—underscore his multifaceted contribution to Formula One. Fans and stakeholders alike will be keenly observing how his influence shapes both his team’s trajectory and the sport’s evolution in the coming years.