What is the role of the Drivers’ Commission?

“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.”

Who do you represent; drivers at which level?

“We represent Drivers in all of our worldwide FIA Championships. But it’s always interesting to know what’s happening in every championship in order to continue to learn and to find appropriate solutions in a world, and a sport, that develops increasingly rapidly.”

What sort of matters do you focus on? Are there any major issues, or trends that you are especially focusing on at the moment?

“Safety is always a key point.  Everything from Karting to F1, Off Road to Rallying, 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.”

What is your vision for the function of the Drivers’ Commission in the future?

“From the beginning, Jean Todt rightly envisaged the opinions from drivers being a significant help in specific matters within the FIA and our sport. The FIA created the Drivers Commission in 2012, first headed by Emerson Fittipaldi. 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.”

Now as the President of the Drivers’ Commission, being involved with so many different stakeholders in motor sport, do you look back at your time as a driver with a different perspective?

“Certainly, but with a better feeling now. As 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.”

How do drivers at all levels interact with the Drivers’ Commission?

“The FIA has created a specific email address where any driver can contact us. His or her questions will be submitted to the members at the following Drivers’ Commission meeting, normally held in Geneva or Paris. The email address is driverscommission@fia.com, and we encourage any drivers around the world to use it to voice their opinions and concerns. We look forward to hearing from them.

The FIA Drivers’ Commission members include:

-        Tom Kristensen, President

-        Emerson Fittipaldi

-        Nigel Mansell

-        Karun Chandhok

-        Emanuele Pirro

-        Yannick Dalmas

-        HRH. Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal

-        Manuel Reuter

-        Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah

-        Marc Duez

-        Kenneth Hansen

-        Danilo Rossi

-        Keiko Ihara

-        Mello Breyner