Russell welcomes Sainz amid FIA situation: 'More united than ever'
F1 News
- Savannah Lenz
Over the past season, the GPDA has become more active. This is partly due to the fines and community service that were handed out during the season. Now, the GPDA has expanded its leadership with a new addition; Carlos Sainz.
George Russell is still a part of the GPDA leadership as a Driver Director, and he is now joined by Carlos Sainz, which Russell says is a great thing.
Sainz joins Russell
“It's great to have Carlos as part of the GPDA. I think he's obviously a great driver, a really smart, wise individual, and has been around for a long time. And of course, in the past, there was always more than one driver director.”
One good thing about Sainz joining Russell is that Russell now has more support. He said, “Since it's just been myself for the last couple of years, I'm happy that the questions can be shared out a little bit more evenly between me and another driver.”
Last season, the GPDA created an Instagram account and released a statement asking for more clarity from the FIA surrounding guidelines and fines. This act unified the drivers, which Russell agrees with. “For all of us, as 20, we're probably more united than ever, especially with everything that's going on off track and to have Carlos as one of the senior voices as well, I think is a great addition.”
Another driver who agrees with Sainz's new leadership role is Esteban Ocon. Ocon said, " Carlos has been a very experienced driver for many years and, a very successful driver as well. I think we're all happy, obviously that he stepped up and that's why he's up there."
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