Veteran F1 Steward Derek Warwick Suspended for Canadian Grand Prix Over Media Comments

Veteran Formula 1 steward Derek Warwick has been suspended from his duties for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal following recent controversial media interviews. The decision was made by the FIA after comments attributed to the 70-year-old former driver circulated publicly. These remarks were reportedly critical of several current drivers, including Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Yuki Tsunoda, and were specifically highlighted as circulating via a partnership with a gambling company. The FIA confirmed the suspension in a statement, citing “unauthorised media comments” as the reason for Warwick being stood down from his planned role as a driver steward for the event. Warwick, who achieved four podium finishes during his F1 racing career, was scheduled to be part of the stewarding panel overseeing the Montreal race weekend. For the Canadian Grand Prix, Warwick will be replaced by Enrique Bernoldi, a former F1 driver himself. Bernoldi will carry out his stewarding responsibilities remotely from the FIA’s Remote Operations Centre located in Geneva. Following discussions with the sport’s governing body, Warwick has acknowledged that his comments were ill-advised, particularly given his position as an FIA steward which requires impartiality and a neutral stance on drivers and teams. He has issued an apology regarding the remarks. The FIA statement also indicated that Warwick is expected to return to his stewarding duties for the subsequent Austrian Grand Prix, suggesting this suspension is for the Canadian event only. This incident marks the second occasion this year where a high-profile individual serving in an FIA stewarding capacity has faced scrutiny over media engagements linked to commercial partners, particularly in the betting sector. Earlier in the year, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert reportedly ceased being considered for stewarding roles after similar concerns arose regarding his commentary and association with a betting firm. Herbert had been a regular steward for some years and was part of the panel that controversially penalised Max Verstappen twice at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix. His subsequent media commentary, linked to a betting partner, drew attention to the potential conflict between such commercial arrangements and the neutral requirements of an FIA official. The situation involving Warwick underscores the FIA's increasing attention to the media activities and commercial relationships of its officials, particularly those involved in critical roles like stewarding. The governing body appears keen to maintain a clear distinction between the impartial role of officiating and any public commentary or commercial partnership that could compromise that perception. Beyond his Formula 1 career, Warwick is also a distinguished endurance racer, having won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1992 and securing the World Sportscar Championship title in the same year.