Carlos Sainz has been elected by his fellow Formula 1 drivers to replace Sebastian Vettel as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).

Vettel, a four-time world champion, stepped down from the role following his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2022 season.

Sainz now joins Mercedes driver George Russell as an active driver representative in the organization, which has played a crucial role in representing the interests of F1 drivers since its revival in 1994.

The GPDA, chaired by former F1 driver Alex Wurz since 2014, works to address key issues within the sport. Alongside its two driver-directors, the organization also includes Anastasia Fowle, who provides “business, political, legal, and strategic advice” in a non-driving capacity.

Sainz, now in his 11th season in Formula 1 and set to race for Williams following his four-year stint at Ferrari, expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the new role.

“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,” Sainz said.

“So I’m very happy and proud to do my part by taking on the director’s role in the GPDA.”

Sainz’s appointment comes at a time of heightened tensions between the drivers and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The GPDA publicly questioned the president’s approach in a letter last year, signaling concerns about governance within the sport.

Additionally, ongoing discussions surrounding the FIA’s efforts to regulate driver language, including a crackdown on swearing, have sparked debate among the grid, with some drivers warning that it could stifle the raw emotion behind the wheel.

As one of the GPDA’s directors, Sainz will play a key role in addressing these and other issues that impact the drivers. Wurz welcomed his appointment, acknowledging Sainz’s long-standing engagement with the organization.

“We are delighted to welcome Carlos as GPDA Director,” Wurz said.

“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.”