Grand Prix Drivers' Association

The Grand Prix Drivers ' Association ( GPDA ) is founded in 1961 and reactivated in 1994 Formula 1 drivers ' association. The GPDA is referred to in the press as a drivers' union.

History

The GPDA was founded in 1961 and was active until the first season in 1982. In addition to compliance and improve safety standards at the race tracks and the representation of economic interests, the driver was one of their tasks. This led to a boycott of the Grand Prix of Spa- Francorchamps in the 1969 season and the race at the Nürburgring in the 1970 season and after the race in 1976.

The GPDA was called to the Grand Prix of San Marino 1994 by the Formula 1 drivers back to life, but this time only to increase the safety standards of vehicles and race circuits. The occasion was the fatal accident of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger and the serious accident of Rubens Barrichello, the collision between Pedro Lamy and JJ Lehto ( six injured spectators ) and the pit lane incident of Michele Alboreto. The latter lost a wheel that injured five other teams mechanic. With improvised measures, such as a chicane of stacks of tires at the Spanish Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Canada, an effort was made to make the remaining races of the year safer.

On 5 February 1996, the Grand Prix Drivers Association Ltd in the UK. founded as a private company limited by guarantee (similar to the German -profit GmbH).

Membership and leadership of the GPDA

Membership in the GPDA is not obligatory for Formula 1 racing driver. Since its foundation in 1994, the vast majority of drivers in the GPDA is active, the other drivers are often criticized for their attitude.

The members of the GPDA choose its chairman, there are three directors, a race car driver is the President and two other racers are the chairman. The current president of the GPDA is since 2012 Pedro de la Rosa. His two representatives are Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button.

President of the GPDA

Credentials

• Formula 1