Russell takes over from Grosjean as GPDA director

Williams George Russell has been named a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association following the departure of Romain Grosjean.

The 23-year-old Mercedes protégé will work alongside fellow GPDA director Sebastian Vettel and chairman Alex Wurz as the united body, initially founded in 1961 to represent the drivers' interests in the sport, continues to interact with Formula 1's chiefs to help improve Grand Prix racing's safety, governance and the spectacle on the track.

“It is an honour and privilege to be nominated director of the GPDA," said Russell.

"I appreciate the support of my fellow drivers in entrusting this role to me and recognise the responsibility it entails.

"In its six decades of existence, the GPDA has been an integral part of supporting and shaping F1 safety, for the sport and our fans."

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While Grosjean's departure from the F1 grid no longer warrants a directorship with the GPDA, the Frenchman will remain an advisor to the association to help conclude its work in assessing the safety lessons from the former Haas driver's dramatic crash in Bahrain last year.

In addition to Russell, the GPDA also appointed a third director to its board, long-time legal advisor Anastasia Fowle who has become the body's first non-driver representative.

"After several years working alongside Alex, Sebastian and Romain, I am proud they and their fellow drivers have nominated me for the first non-F1 driver board position," she said.

"I am passionate about the sport and the industry and am honoured to be able to support the GPDA in its endeavours."

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