Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas has told Sebastian Vettel that he wants him to stay involved with Formula 1 amid the German’s impending retirement from the sport.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) was set up in 1961, with Sir Stirling Moss becoming its first-ever chairman.
It was set up as a union for the drivers, gaining them a seat at the table so that they could be involved in key decisions that affect them.
The issues that discuss can range from safety, to performance, regulations and, more relevant to now, how they tackle issues outside of racing.
READ: Lando Norris doesn’t want to fill Sebastian Vettel’s boots, says he has become less ruthless
The director system was adopted in 1996, and it entails two drivers at any one time acting as a representative for the current set of drivers.
Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Felipe Massa and many more have acted as director since the role was introduced.
Right now, Vettel and George Russell are the directors of the association, and the drivers held a vote during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend to decide who will replace Vettel when he leaves.
However, there may still be room for him on the board; Alex Wurz, a former F1 driver himself, is the current chair.
Vettel has often been the one to speak out about key issues in racing and the wider world, and it is his tenacity and bravery that has made him so popular in recent years – other than being an exceptional racing driver with four world titles.
Such has been the influence of the Aston Martin driver, that his will be difficult shoes to fill when he departs.
“I feel like it’s quite hard to replace Seb in that kind of role, because of the way he is,” said Bottas in Budapest.
“He’s really straightforward and direct and doesn’t go around things, he just says things as they are and questions many things loudly, so I hope he continues.
READ: Aston Martin admit Fernando Alonso will ‘demand a lot’
“I’m not sure if he’s keen but it would be great if you can continue.”
Daniel Ricciardo concurred, adding that the no nonsense approach Vettel has is greatly appreciated by his peers.
“Maybe we’ll see if he wants to continue!” quipped the Australian.
“He’s certainly done a good job, Seb, he’s a guy that a lot of the time just says it how it is.
“That’s not in an aggressive way, he’s just very honest and direct.
“When we’re on topics like safety then we don’t need to beat around the bush, so I think his character is really good for that position.”
Vettel had been a driver director of the GPDA since 2010 – his first title-winning season with Red Bull.