Rubens Barrichello has taken over from Nick Heidfeld as head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.
With Heidfeld having been forced to relinquish his former position as chairman because of his switch to become Pirelli's test driver, the GPDA met at Spa this weekend to decide on a replacement.
Although the GPDA had previously had a preference for a test driver to fulfil the role because they had more time to devote, Barrichello's vast experience and standing among his fellow competitors marked him out as the obvious choice.
Barrichello, celebrating his 300th grand prix in Belgium this weekend, will work alongside directors Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa.