GPDA | Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

The F1 drivers have agreed to work together to get closer to fans of the sport via social media and other channels.

The plans were discussed at today’s meeting of the Grand Prix Drivers Association in Barcelona, and more details will be revealed in Monaco.

“We always said that we are primarily for safety,” GPDA chairman Alex Wurz told this writer. “But we’re also for the fans of the sport, and we want to connect to them in a more interactive way. And that’s what we’re planning, and I think in Monaco we’ll be able to say much more and give details on what we’re going to be doing.”

Asked if the focus would be on social media rather than autograph sessions or Q&A appearances he added: “Let’s put in this way, we’re not going to write postcards to the fans, because of the carbon footprint! Obviously speaking about physical interaction with fans on race weekends, that’s something that has to go via the team, the promoters and Bernie, that’s not our part of the business cake. I think everyone is here that the sport is here because of the fans, and we’re going to connect in the way we can and the way we want to do it. I think Monaco will be interesting.”

Wurz says he isn’t worried about the GPDA facing problems for moving away from its traditional area of safety.

“We are not getting into someone’s territory. The GPDA is not at all political, the GPDA does not do anything like that. I think we have millions of fans around the world, and why shouldn’t we connect with them in a more appropriate way. The meeting was also with the non-members. It’s cool, and you’ll see more in Monaco.”

Meanwhile Romain Grosjean said on Twitter: “Great GPDA meeting today! At the Monaco GP we will announce big plans on how to properly connect with you, the fans.”

GPDA chairman Alex Wurz has written to the F1 drivers to reassure them that the organisation would like more information about Fernando Alonso’s Barcelona accident, which would help ascertain if anything can be done to improve safety standards.

Wurz is adamant that the incident did not result from the driver receiving an electric shock, and that safety aspects worked as intended by the rules. However, he says that the GPDA is still keen to learn more about what happened from the FIA and McLaren – while accepting that it will take time to gather all the facts.

Wurz noted in the letter: “In order to get the full picture and understand the accident as a whole, it will take a little longer, and that goes especially for any potential improvements which might or might not be necessary. The GPDA will keep the dialogue with the FIA and McLaren ongoing and for the time being, we wish Fernando a speedy recovery.”

Asked by this writer about the letter, Wurz said: “It is a normal email and communication between the GPDA and the F1 drivers. By nature of the GPDA we stand for safety. As such we support evidence based research and development.

“Analysing an accident is one thing, and drawing conclusions is another. We understand people want answers and conclusions, but to get the full picture, one needs to wait until all facts are collected and understood.

“And in order to keep the drivers informed, and avoid getting them involved into the unfounded speculations, such emails are exchanged. That’s it.

“Just to make it clear, the GPDA did not ask anyone to make an official investigation, as we know that this accident is looked at with great care, and that the crisis management of the McLaren team and the FIA, so lets say F1 as a whole, is very profound. The key stake holders and researchers know that they can count on the support of the GPDA, and regularly use us drivers to help.”

The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Drivers,

In regards to Fernando’s accident:

The impact:‎

The impact forces were in the lower double digit g numbers. Exact details of the g-forces and the time over which such g-forces accrued on the car, the driver and more important on his head has not been disclosed (yet).

Fact gathering – CAR:‎

The ear accelerometers and the cars data recording should give (once again) an important inside into the accident. Currently it is understood that all the safety precautions of the car worked as intended by the rules‎. So all the rumors of electric shock, etc are false.

Fact gathering – DRIVER:

However, to understand the accident, the causes and the consequences to the drivers safety, we need to wait for the medical reports to understand the full picture. But we will give Fernando, his family and the doctors their space they require. I am not in a position to tell you anything about Fernando’s medical situation.

Conclusions:

In order to get the full picture and understand the accident as a whole, it will take a little longer, and that goes especially for any potential improvements which might or might not be necessary. The GPDA will keep the dialogue with the FIA and McLaren ongoing and for the time being, we wish Fernando a speedy recovery.

I keep you informed, if in the meantime any of you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,
Alex

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