Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) president Alex Wurz has hailed the fact that all Formula 1 drivers on the grid this year are members of the 'union' and claims it as a sign of unity in a time of potential turmoil in the sport.
In an interview ahead of the Australian Grand Prix season-opening weekend, Wurz said, "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."
"This is very important, as all the drivers - 100 percent are GPDA members - have said that we must be fully committed to the sport rather than just as individuals."
United driver input has seldom, if ever, been a factor in drawing up rules for Formula 1, but Wurz hopes that this will change in the future, "F1 is entering a period of evolution, change and perhaps even a degree of turmoil."
"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," added Wurz.
The GPDA was founded in May 1961 and, following an election by members, its inaugural Chairman was Stirling Moss.
The organisation was disbanded during the 1982 Formula 1 season due to the sport's changing commercial arrangements and the conflict between the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA) and FIA.
Niki Lauda and Gerhard Berger re-established the GPDA over the 1994 Monaco Grand Prix race weekend, following the events of the preceding San Marino Grand Prix, which culminated with the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.
In 2014 Wurz succeeded Pedro de la Rosa ad GPDA chairman, which in the past included illustrious names such as Jackie Stewart, Jody Scheckter, Didier Pironi, as well as the Schumacher brothers Ralf and Michael.
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