Sergio Perez wants the GPDA to have more say and influence over F1’s decision-making regarding specific rules that take the driver’s side.
In the F1 paddock, there is a constant exchange of ideas between rule makers, team leaders, and drivers. Currently, the former two represent his F1 committee and discuss issues, but the latter does not have much of a say in these matters.
Although a Grand Prix Drivers Association exists, it is not an official organization that has much influence, particularly in the creation of rules and changes during operation. There is still dialogue going on between the GPDA, F1 and the FIA about how they think about certain things.
While safety is an issue that drivers are hearing more about, many other issues elicit mixed reactions. Even though they are heard, they are not always implemented, or even if they are implemented, it has been a long time. Red Bull’s Perez hopes to see GPDA’s influence grow even more in the future.
“I think it would be better if the GPDA could have a little more influence because it’s not just one driver,” Perez said. “It is the Board, the majority of us all, who make sport our living, and it would be great to see the Board take more account of the views of GPDA as an association in the near future.”
His teammate Max Verstappen agrees to some extent, but knows there is too much politics in this sport and it sometimes derails certain things. “I think sometimes there are too many rules to consider, too many political aspects to make changes and decisions,” he said. “Of course, as GPDA, I want to speak out.
“If I could, I’d be an F1 owner. You know what I mean, but that’s not the real world. But yes, we keep voicing our concerns, but what? And we’ve kept that dialogue open and we’ve always tried to make them listen, and we’ve listened and we’ve communicated, so we’ve made a statement about whether we’ve done it right. The next few years will tell what will come of it.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris believes that no matter how much F1 drivers say, it is ultimately in the hands of the rule-makers, who are the decision-makers. “I said earlier that I can’t control the decisions,” he said. “Of course they listen and accept what I have to say, but when I say, “Can you do this for me?” of course they listen, but that doesn’t mean they understand me.” This quickly changed. And sometimes it takes a backseat. ”
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