Could the FIA's Driver Commission champion the GPDA's demands for a greater say in F1?

Ever since the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association published its open letter calling Formula 1’s governance “obsolete and ill-structured”, a debate has been raging about whether the drivers should have a say in key decisions on the regulations.

Bernie Ecclestone responded by calling the drivers’ “windbags” and made it clear that he did not want them to be granted any power or influence on F1’s rules or structure of governance.

"The drivers can say what they like," he said before the Bahrain Grand Prix. "They can’t do anything. They haven’t got any strength. They’ve got an opinion.

"And they’re only saying what their teams have told them to say."

The drivers’ responded by presenting a united front at the Chinese Grand Prix where they held a #racingunited dinner and spread their message on social media using that hashtag (or #windbagsunited in Nico Rosberg’s case).

Several drivers, including GPDA directors Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel, believe F1 racers’ should be able to send a representative to the F1 Commission, which is comprised of Ecclestone, the FIA and all the teams, along with some circuit promoters, sponsors and suppliers, such as Pirelli.

This body that will vote on F1’s 2017 regulations at the end of this month and with driver safety – through the Halo device or Red Bull’s canopy – and car performance – via aerodynamic and tyre construction changes – part of the agenda, the drivers reckon they should have a say in future decisions.

It is interesting to consider the views of Tom Kristensen. The nine-time Le Mans winner, 2013 World Endurance Championship champion and sportscar legend is the current president of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, which was established back in 2012 and consults behind the scenes. Nigel Mansell is also on the Commission. Both are regular FIA Driver Stewards at Grands Prix races.

In a recent interview with the FIA’s official website Kristensen explained that his role was make sure that driver opinion is being heard, whether it comes from F1 or another of the governing body’s championships.

He said: “The Drivers’ Commission is the voice of the drivers. Frankly; without drivers there is no great sport - and that is why it is our aim to understand the issues that a driver is facing in their respective championships and to try to resolve them in association with the various FIA Commissions concerned.

“In order to achieve these goals; the Commission is represented by hugely respected and experienced drivers covering all disciplines of the FIA.

“We all have our opinions, and that always creates good meetings on a number of interesting subjects. It’s clear that we all do care about the sport very much.”

The Dane, who tested F1 cars for Minardi, Tyrell and Williams earlier in his career, explained that the Drivers’ Commission was tasked with considering safety for all competitors but also the future direction of motorsport to satisfy all parties – including fans.

He said: “Safety is always a key point – everything from karting to F1, off-road to rallying [and] hill climbs to historics. Safety across all of those disciplines is a massive undertaking.

“Also, we do spend considerable time focusing on the development of the cars technically, the circuits and whether they’re becoming too anaesthetised, and how all of that affects the driver.

“Ideally, we want the driver to have a high level of input to driving, with motor sport harnessing their basic instincts that inspired them in the first place.

“We also contribute to discussions on the right balance between the focus on fans, manufactures, teams, promoters, circuits, suppliers, and the rule makers from the drivers’ perspective.”

Kristensen also described his desire for the Drivers’ Commission to push the opinions of competitors within the FIA’s structure and allow them to focus on their racing.

He said: “I personally want to be part of a Commission that pushes considered opinions from the drivers with a mature voice from a very dedicated, united group of sportspeople with incredible passion for motor sport.”

“Today, the Drivers Commission gives the present drivers the chance to focus even more on their jobs; on being successful, respected and being role models for the world of motorsport – while we act as their voice within the structure of the FIA’s Commissions.”

The FIA Drivers’ Commission is made up of 14 former and current drivers from across different motor racing categories, including Emerson Fittipaldi, Mansell, Emanuele Pirro and Karun Chandhok, and it encourages any racers with any concerns to contact them via email.

But while the FIA Driver’s Commission claims to speak for all competitors across motorsport, questions remain over whether they are actually going to be listened to, #racingunited or otherwise.