Alonso on the GPDA: drivers should have the choice

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, spoke about the current issues facing the GPDA – Grand Prix Drivers Association.

Although the Renault F1 driver admits that the GPDA heavily influences the rules and safety levels in F1, he admits that he does not have to force a driver to get involved in this association. According to the Spaniard, drivers should be free to join or not join this global organization.

Well, I think everyone must have their own opinion, and everyone must make their own decision, Alonso said.

« One thing is certain, the GPDA has strongly contributed to the improvement of safety in Grand Prix racing over the past two years. We ourselves are in contact with the various circuits of the championship and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), so we are in the best position to make changes. ».

Last year, we did private tests without paramedics, for example. Since then, in both tests and races, we have the same conditions, with doctors, ambulances, and especially a helicopter!

The GPDA also contributed to the modification of cockpits, which helps to avoid accidents like the one between Wurz and Coulthard (where the Austrian’s front wing came close to hitting the Red Bull driver’s head) from being fatal.

« Consequently, the GPDA has already made huge, very useful decisions… so if a driver doesn’t want to be part of it, at worst, too bad for him… » Continues Alonso, 4th in Australia last week.

« Obviously, the more drivers we have, the more powerful the GPDA becomes, but I let the driver decide for themselves. If I am part of it today, it’s because I don’t want to risk my life in an F1. »

Currently, only 4 drivers are not part of this pilots’ association. Three of them are young (Hamilton, Davidson, and Sutil) and Kimi Räikkönen.