Why "vocal" Russell took on GPDA director role

Williams driver George Russell has declared his desire to be part of "positive change" in Formula 1 was behind his decision to become a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.

Russell recently replaced former Haas driver Romain Grosjean after he stepped away from F1 at the end of last year, although the Frenchman has retained a role as an advisor.

Russell now forms part of a four-person panel that includes Sebastian Vettel, chairman Alex Wurx and legal counsel Anastasia Fowle.

Although only 23 and in just his third season in F1, Russell believes he can contribute and make a difference.

"First of all, I wanted to take on the role because I think what the GPDA has done over so many years has been great for the sport," explained Russell.

"Whenever we have had our briefings with all of the drivers which, in 2019, was very common - probably every two grands prix - we would stay after the drivers' briefing and talk about certain issues or ways in which we can improve the sport, safety, whatever it may be.

"Obviously, it was slightly harder last year with the logistical issues with Covid. But I was always quite vocal, I quite enjoyed putting my opinion forward and I guess having a voice for the drivers is something to be quite proud of, to be honest.

"I am looking forward to that. I think I have got a great relationship with a lot of the younger drivers so, I guess, Sebastian is sort of representing the older half of the grid and I am essentially representing the younger half of the grid."

Despite driving in a back-of-the-grid car throughout his time with Williams, Russell is expected to have a lengthy career in F1 given his affiliation with Mercedes allied to his natural talent.

Russell is hoping he can look back at some point in the future and claim he was "a part of a positive change in Formula 1".

Russell added: "I think the future of Formula 1 is looking incredibly bright with Liberty now, with Stefano [Domenicali] and Ross [Brawn] at the helm.

"From our side, I think drivers are having a stronger and stronger voice to help shape the future of the sport.

"Obviously, we are in a unique position to be the ones who feel it from the drivers' perspective, which is obviously a huge part of Formula 1, being at the forefront with Sebastian and Alex Wurz to push forward these views of the drivers to Formula 1 and the FIA.

"If I can look back and say I was a part of that, then that would be something I would be proud of."

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