Williams Formula 1 driver George Russell has been appointed director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, replacing Romain Grosjean following his switch to Indycar.
Russell will link up with fellow director Sebastian Vettel and GPDA chairman Alex Wurz in his new role, which represents the interests concerning all the drivers.
The GPDA was reformed in 1994 following the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at that year’s San Marino Grand Prix, as drivers rallied together in a bid to improve F1’s safety.
Speaking about his appointment, Russell said: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated director of the GPDA.
“I appreciate the support of my fellow drivers in entrusting this role to me and recognise the responsibility it entails.
“In its six decades of existence, the GPDA has been an integral part of supporting and shaping F1 safety, for the sport and our fans.”
Ex-Haas F1 driver Grosjean held the position of GPDA director from 2017 but has stepped down after bowing out of F1 at the end of last season.
The Frenchman will remain part of the board in an advisory role in 2021 to help finish the ongoing work regarding safety and lessons learned from his accident at last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
In a first non-driver appointment, long-time legal advisor Anastasia Fowle also joins as a director to support its businesses and activities.
“After several years working alongside Alex, Sebastian and Romain, I am proud they and their fellow drivers have nominated me for the first non-F1 driver board position,” she said.
“I am passionate about the sport and the industry and am honoured to be able to support the GPDA in its endeavours.”
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