Too little power for drivers in F1? 'GPDA should have more influence'

The GPDA should be given more power. That is Jackie Stewart's opinion, after previously Lewis Hamilton also dropped that he believes the drivers' union should be given more say when discussing certain issues.

Liberty Media and the FIA often cut deals without the drivers being heard in them. An example of this is what happened last year in Saudi Arabia with a missile strike. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali stated that the Grand Prix would go ahead as usual, while there was not even a clear picture of how the drivers stood on this. It ensured that talks between the FIA and the drivers continued well into the night on Friday.

Stewart argued that the GPDA is a lot less powerful than when he was president of the drivers' union. "I think that is wrong. I think we should have more influence," said the 83-year-old Briton, who became World Champion a total of three times in the pinnacle of motorsport, in conversation with Express Sport.

GPDA used to be a lot more powerful

The GPDA was created in 1961 to ensure that the safety of the sport was boosted. Without GPDA approval, certain things simply did not get through, but that is very different anno 2022. The power now lies entirely with the policy makers. The GPDA was known for boycotting several events, including the 1969 Belgian Grand Prix and the 1970 German Grand Prix.

Currently, George Russell is the chairman of the GPDA. He succeeded Romain Grosjean when the Frenchman was not offered a contract extension with the Haas F1 team.