Grosjean elected director of the GPDA

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Romain Grosjean was elected the director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association last weekend in Sochi, taking over a role formerly assumed by Jenson Button.

Button stepped down for the position as a result of not permanently racing in the 2017 F1 World Championship.

"I am proud to have been elected by my peers," said the Frenchman who joins fellow director Sebastian Vettel at the helm.

"We race drivers don't always hold the same opinion but we are united in wanting the best for our sport.

"I believe we have an important role and duty to coordinate between each other and support the stakeholders in the evolution of the sport."

Interestingly, Grosjean is not a fan of either the Halo cockpit safety device or the shield concept set to be introduced later this year.

But the Haas driver has vowed to be constructive on the subject despite his personal views.

'Shield' safety device to make debut at Monza

GPDA Chairman Alex Wurz praised both Grosjean's nomination and Button's contribution.

"It was a pleasure working with Jenson over the past few years as he always put the interests of the drivers and the sport first," said the Austrian.

"Thanks JB for all your effort! Over recent years Romain has been a very active GPDA member.

"He has a lot of energy and thoughts about our sport and Sebastian and I welcome him as a great addition to the Grand Prix Drivers Association board."

A venerable institution dating back to the 1960s, the GPDA dissolved over the years but was reformed in 1994 to help safety improvements.

As it expanded its role in recent years, the association now works with the sport's promoters to get fans closer to the action as well as advise on matters of safety and performance.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.