Sebastian Vettel remained active in Formula 1 even after he retired at the end of 2022. A four-time world champion, he’s one of the greatest drivers and most respected figures in the sport’s history.
Vettel became F1’s youngest title winner in 2010, and he took on the role of GPDA director the same year. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association is a body that represents the interests of the competitors.
Perhaps the most significant move in Vettel’s tenure was the introduction of the halo in 2018. The cockpit protection devices has already prevented fatal accidents.
Vettel relinquished his Aston Martin seat after 16 seasons in the sport but retained his GPDA position until 2024. He worked with Mercedes star George Russell, ex-F1 driver Alex Wurz and advisor Anastasia Fowle.
When Vettel departed, Carlos Sainz took over. He’s rather suddenly become the fourth-oldest driver on the grid following the exits of Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen.
Carlos Sainz compounds bad week after swearing in Bahrain Grand Prix press conference
At the Japanese GP last weekend, Sainz earned a £17k fine (50% suspended) for arriving late to the national anthem. All drivers are required to be in a position for the customary pre-race ritual.
The Williams driver was a matter of seconds behind schedule, but as the FIA saw it, late was late. He addressed the punishment in Thursday’s Bahrain Grand Prix press conference.
Putting his tardy arrival down to stomach issues, he said: “I don’t know if I’m going to get another fine for saying this, but s— happens. It’s the way it is. It’s the way it goes sometimes.”
As Sainz alluded to, he’s now at risk of a further sanction by swearing in an official FIA media session. The governing body introduced strict new rules on driver conduct over the winter.
While one can perhaps sympathise with the issues Sainz experienced in Japan, his language on Thursday was ill-judged. And it’s not necessarily the greatest look for a chosen representative of his fellow drivers.
Alex Albon’s blunt message to Carlos Sainz over early struggles at Williams
On track, Sainz is looking for a spark after a disappointing start to his Williams career. He’s only scored one point so far – by virtue of three disqualifications in China – while teammate Alex Albon has put 18 on the board.
Fortunately, he’s driven the Bahrain circuit in the FW47 before, which should mean he’s more comfortable. In fact, he was the fastest driver during pre-season testing.
Anthony Davidson noticed that Sainz was struggling with his brakes at Suzuka, but turn one aside, there aren’t many major stopping points on the Bahrain circuit. This could be the weekend where he beats his teammate for the first time.
Asked whether he any advice for his new partner, Albon said Sainz ‘may have to adapt to a different driving style’, suggesting the onus is on him rather than his team. The Spaniard stacked up well against the highly-rated Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
