Sainz takes GPDA Director role after Vettel’s exit

The Williams driver assumes leadership position in F1 drivers' union ahead of the 2025 season, marking another instance where he succeeds the four-time World Champion

Carlos Sainz has secured a significant off-track position by becoming a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), replacing former four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel who vacated the role last year.

Sainz embraces new leadership responsibility

The Spaniard, who is preparing for his 11th full Formula 1 season, expressed his enthusiasm for the new responsibility through a statement on social media.

"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 in the GPDA."

Sainz declared.

This appointment sees Sainz join Mercedes driver George Russell on the GPDA board, which is led by chairman Alex Wurz and also includes Anastasia Fowle.

Wurz, who previously raced for McLaren and Williams, welcomed the addition, highlighting Sainz's prior engagement with the organization.

"He has been an active and engaged member of the GPDA for several years and we sincerely appreciate his commitment in stepping up to this vital role,"

Wurz stated.

Following in Vettel's footsteps once more

Interestingly, this is not the first time Sainz has stepped into a position previously held by Vettel. The Spaniard previously replaced the German at Ferrari ahead of the 2021 season, where he went on to claim four victories between 2021 and 2024.

Vettel, who has not raced competitively since retiring from F1 at the end of 2022 after two seasons with Aston Martin, has been the subject of comeback rumors in recent years.

A test with Porsche's hypercar last spring sparked speculation about a potential Le Mans 24 Hours entry, though he is reportedly no longer in contention for a World Endurance Championship seat with the manufacturer.

Career transition for Sainz

The appointment comes as Sainz transitions to Williams for the 2025 season, having already had his first experience with the team's new FW47 during a shakedown at Silverstone last week.

Sainz's move to Williams follows what was arguably his most impressive F1 campaign to date.

Despite knowing he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, the Spaniard delivered two victories in 2024 – in Australia and Mexico – with his Melbourne triumph coming just two weeks after missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis.

His stellar performances throughout 2024 attracted interest from multiple teams including Mercedes, Red Bull, Audi F1, and Alpine. However, Sainz ultimately committed to Williams with a multi-year deal announced shortly after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa last July.

As Sainz prepares for a new chapter with Williams in 2025, his GPDA director role gives him additional influence in shaping the future of the sport he has been part of since his debut in 2015.