Grand Prix Drivers' Association

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) is the trade union of Formula One drivers.
==History==
The GPDA was founded on May 10th, 1982.
The Association was founded by Mick Ashcroft and Stefan Van Damme, with Ashcroft serving as chairman. The initial aim of the GPDA was to improve safety standards of both cars and circuits. The pair came together after Vivaldo Margheriti hit a barrier at Blanchimont during the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. While the impact was minor, the car caught fire, and Margheriti was trapped in the car by an improperly assembled tyre barrier. He remained in the burning car for almost 5 minutes before marshals were able to free him, suffering 3rd degree burns to most of his upper body.
As a result, the initial focus of the GPDA was to ensure track marshals had better access to firefighting equipment.
==Controversy==
The GPDA garnered criticism from the public and media, who claimed the association's actions distorted the essence of Formula One. British Journalist Simon Atkins wrote for The Guardian; "Fans want to see the drivers as gladiators, staring death in the face. That's what makes it exciting. If we start wrapping the drivers in cotton wool, we water down the whole sport."
While it was not an official action, some members of the GPDA boycotted the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix. Founders Van Damme and Ashcroft entered, with Ashcroft criticising drivers drivers who abandoned the race, saying "This is not what the GPDA is about. This is one of the slowest circuits on the callendar. Absolutely no need for it."
==Notable Activities==
Following the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix, all marshals were required to wear fireproof overalls and gloves. All marshal posts were also equipped with fire extinguishers, reducing the reliance on trackside firefighting vehicles.
In response to GPDA demands, the FIA began drafting regulations which would limit ground effect. Slowing the cars down and therefore reducing the severity of barrier impacts.
Structural Engineer Jean-Luc Picard was appointed for the 1983 season to inspect barriers prior to each grand prix, ensuring they will withstand impacts such as the one suffered by Vivaldo Margheriti.
The GPDA, independent of the FIA, appointed Professor Sid Watkins to oversee medical treatment of all drivers following on-track incidents. in 1982, Watkins was hired by the FIA as president of the Formula One Medical Comission. In this role, he was present in a medical car which followed the racing cars for the first lap of each Grand Prix.