Barrichello replaces Heidfeld as GPDA president

Rubens Barrichello is the new president of the formula one drivers’ union, the GPDA.

The existing president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, Nick Heidfeld, has had to vacate the role now that he is Pirelli’s full time tyre development tester.

Heidfeld was previously permanent Mercedes’ reserve driver, but the 33-year-old German will no longer travel to all the grands prix.

The GPDA therefore met at Spa-Francorchamps and voted in Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello, 38, who this weekend is celebrating his 300th career grand prix.