Reconstituted in 1994 – after having remained inactive for many years – following the tragic events that occurred during the Imola weekend, the GPDA has had the strength in recent years to establish itself more and more as a reality to be reckoned with within of the complex politics surrounding Formula 1.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which basically has the role of trade union for the series, certainly does not have the same power as a team principal, federation or the top management of the sport, but it is managing to gain year after year a significant role especially in terms of attention to issues concerning the safety of drivers. This was seen, at least partially, in the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. On that occasion, after some missiles fired by Yemen’s rebels hit structures near the circuit, the drivers forced their teams and Formula 1 itself into lengthy negotiations, threatening not to take part in the Grand Prix.
Many of the initiatives related to raising awareness on human and civil rights issues organized by drivers in recent years were also created within the GPDA, as well as obviously important discussions regarding the safety of cars and single-seaters. But how does a meeting of this particular association actually work? The former Austrian driver Alexander Wurz, who has been president of the GPDA for years, tried to reveal some secrets. In an interview for the PlanetF1 website, he also explained why this type of meeting is absolutely off-limits for cameras and journalists. “It would be interesting to be able to show the GPDA meetings outside” – acknowledged Alexander Wurz – “But we made an agreement between us to keep the TV out of the meetings. We want to preserve the particular culture that we have created over the years”. – he pointed out.
Contrary to what one might imagine from the outside, in fact, the meetings between all the drivers take place in harmony and great respect. “I really care about these moments in which ultra-talented and hyper-competitive drivers sit down with each other and chat, listen to each other, and sometimes they joke and laugh together” – explained Alexander Wurz – “But it hasn’t always been like this. I remember the GPDA meetings had become a platform for quarrels and discussions a long time ago. I try hard never to let this happen in our meetings. The meetings focus on topics and concerns that we all have and share. They will never be a courtroom for individual dislikes and disagreements. I work very hard so that every move, comment and decision of the GPDA is approved by the drivers” – added the former Austrian driver – “We work with a 50% majority, but I must say that in most cases we have everyone’s full consent of all drivers.”
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To guarantee greater independence from external influences, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has also equipped itself with its own budget over the years, financed by the Formula 1 drivers themselves: “Our annual budget is 20,000 euros – concluded Alexander Wurz – which the members pay with a fee of 1,000 euros per person. Of course, sometimes a bigger budget would be nice, but in this way we are completely free from third party obligations and influences and this is invaluable“ – he concluded.
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