Wurz delighted to see all F1 drivers on board with the GPDA

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Alex Wurz, the president of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, is happy with the fact that every single driver on the 2018 grid is a member of the institution.

The unity, which was achieved at the end of last year, will allow for drivers' voices to be heard in the future as they work towards the continual improvement of safety in Formula 1.

"We are all together in a single boat and must think together about Formula 1, even if there are many political camps in this sport," said Wurz

"This is very important, as all the drivers - and 100pc of the drivers are GPDA members - have said that we must be fully committed to the sport rather than just as individuals.

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With the sport embarking on a new dawn from 2021, when a new regulation platform is introduced, Wurz underlines the need for representation among the drivers, as new challenges emerge.

"F1 is entering a period of evolution, change and perhaps even a degree of turmoil," said the Austrian last year.

"All the drivers recognise that they must be united and represented, in order to face that challenge and prevent any politics or fights for power from ultimately compromising on-track performance.

"The drivers believe unity is fundamental for the sport's success."

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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.