George Russell, an eventful second year at the head of the GPDA

For two years, George Russell has been part of the management of the GPDA, the Formula 1 Grand Prix drivers' association. The numerous files for the 2022 season have filled an already busy schedule but that does not bother him.

Published on 24/06/2022 à 10:41

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George Russell, an eventful second year at the head of the GPDA

With his role as director of the GDPA, George Russell must manage many thorny issues this season. © Photo DPPI

For his second season as president of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), George Russell could have hoped for a quieter start. After only 9 Grands Prix on the calendar, the 2022 season has already seen its share of controversies and thorny decisions. Whether it was the holding of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after an explosion at the Aramco oil depot during the first free practice session or more recently the management of porpoising.

Although he is not the only one on board the ship, the pilot Mercedes admits that his schedule is busier this year. “ There's a lot going on to be honest,” admits George Russell. At the head of the Grand Prix drivers' association Formula 1 with Sebastian Vettel, the Briton can count on the support of two other directors. “Alex Wurz and Anastia Fowle, who are the other directors, play an important role in this project. And they do the majority of the work behind the scenes. It opened my eyes a lot to their contribution », Explains the Mercedes driver.

George Russell succeeds in juggling driving and the GPDA

Since the start of the season, his team has provided him with two major files: porpoising and the wearing of jewelry in Formula 1. As a reminder, since the Australian Grand Prix, the FIA had added this rule which did not lead to any sanction for the moment. " THE Wearing jewelry in the form of piercings or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and must therefore be checked before departure. » A decision that was not to the taste of Lewis Hamilton. Discussions between the FIA and the GPDA made it possible to postpone this ban.

« I like this. There are always ongoing discussions to try to improve this sport. Also, conversations with Formula 1, to try to improve circuit safety, design or whatever », specified George Russell. This second cap seems to please the Englishman even if he recognizes that it remains different from his role as pilot. Before the British Grand Prix, the Mercedes team member should still have a lot of work to do while the technical directive should really come into play at Silverstone.

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