GPDA struggling to recruit young stars

The GPDA are poised to vote on a new trio of directors for next year, with key members keen for one of F1's younger drivers to take on the mantle. The three current directors are Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Ralf Schumacher.

But several candidates to become a new GPDA director have already ruled themselves out, ahead of a vote that is due to take place either in Fuji or at next weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Nico Rosberg said recently that he did not feel he could devote enough time to being a director, while Lewis Hamilton has said he will not even decide on whether or not to become a member until after the season has finished.

"All year I have been talking to them, and the plan has been to become a GPDA member," he said when asked by autosport.com about if he was interested in becoming a director.

"I have had a lot on my plate this year and to be honest I don't need any extra distraction, so I will focus on my job for now.

"Towards the end of the year we will discuss whether or not I become a member, but at the moment I have no plans to."

Jenson Button has also said he feels he does not have enough time to become a director, despite being keen to contribute as much as he can to the organisation.

"We are always there to give our input, and it's important that we keep an eye on safety, which I think we do," said the Honda Racing driver. "But I haven't got time to be a director."

Robert Kubica believes that there were better candidates for the role than himself.

"I think I am not good to do this," he said. "I think there are better people to do this. I just don't feel like I should do it. Someone will be better for this position, which is quite an important one.

"Honestly for me we don't have to change directors, but of course there will be a group decision so we have to see."