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Grand Prix Drivers' Association Unites F1 Drivers
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The current grid of Formula 1 (F1) drivers has united to influence the future direction of the sport by joining the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), which has hit full membership. The GDPA is the trade association of F1 drivers, which was first formed in 1961 to improve safety standards.
GPDA chairman Alex Wurz confirmed the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen have officially joined the union, for what he believes could be the first time ever.
"F1 is entering a period of evolution, change and perhaps even a degree of turmoil," Wurz told the BBC. "They recognize they must be united and represented to face that challenge.
"[The drivers want to] prevent any politics or power fights from ultimately compromising on-track performance. The drivers believe unity is fundamental [to] the sport's success."
Drivers are expected to see the new 2017 regulations resulting in increased interest in the sport, even if they still want to see improvements made.
"We are all particularly proud that the new cars, with their faster cornering speeds, had such great effect," Wurz said. "The drivers love them and we have seen an instant increase in viewership and followers.
"The GPDA pushed for this rule direction for the last three years. Happy drivers are F1's best sales tool.”
Drivers still want to address the issue of track limits and over-regulation of the sport, while also seeking ways to improve overtaking and track action, according to Wurz and the BBC.
Other areas the GPDA are concerned about include the noise of the power units, lack of visual impact from current camera angles and the large variation in budget levels leading to a significant spread in performance from the front to the back of the grid.
GPDA chairman Alex Wurz confirmed the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen have officially joined the union, for what he believes could be the first time ever.
"F1 is entering a period of evolution, change and perhaps even a degree of turmoil," Wurz told the BBC. "They recognize they must be united and represented to face that challenge.
"[The drivers want to] prevent any politics or power fights from ultimately compromising on-track performance. The drivers believe unity is fundamental [to] the sport's success."
Drivers are expected to see the new 2017 regulations resulting in increased interest in the sport, even if they still want to see improvements made.
"We are all particularly proud that the new cars, with their faster cornering speeds, had such great effect," Wurz said. "The drivers love them and we have seen an instant increase in viewership and followers.
"The GPDA pushed for this rule direction for the last three years. Happy drivers are F1's best sales tool.”
Drivers still want to address the issue of track limits and over-regulation of the sport, while also seeking ways to improve overtaking and track action, according to Wurz and the BBC.
Other areas the GPDA are concerned about include the noise of the power units, lack of visual impact from current camera angles and the large variation in budget levels leading to a significant spread in performance from the front to the back of the grid.
