FIA Suspends Steward Derek Warwick at Canadian GP Amid Controversy

In a notable development at the ongoing Canadian Grand Prix, the FIA has suspended veteran steward Derek Warwick following recent media comments that were deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with FIA standards. Warwick, a respected figure in F1 stewarding for years, handed over his duties to Enrique Bernoldi, who will oversee the remainder of the race remotely from the FIA’s operational centre in Geneva. The suspension reflects the FIA’s strict stance on media conduct among its officials, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and confidentiality during race weekends. The FIA’s decision came shortly after Warwick participated in an interview with a gambling publication, where he expressed support for the race stewards’ decision to penalize Max Verstappen for his collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. Although the FIA did not specify which comments prompted the suspension, this incident highlights ongoing sensitivities around stewarding decisions and their public discussion. Warwick's suspension is not an isolated incident within F1 stewarding. Earlier this year, the FIA decided to part ways with Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and longstanding FIA steward, after 15 years of service. The FIA cited a mutual agreement to end Herbert’s role, citing that his duties as an FIA steward and media pundit were incompatible. Herbert, however, later claimed that he was caught off guard by his departure and suggested that external lobbying may have played a role in his termination. Public support for the FIA’s disciplinary measures has been mixed. Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing, publicly supported the FIA’s move to replace Warwick, calling it the correct decision. The controversy over steward conduct surfaces amid broader questions about the impartiality and transparency of race officiating, especially as F1 continues to scrutinize controversial penalizations and incidents. Meanwhile, on the track, the Montreal Grand Prix has been marked by competitive qualifying performances. George Russell secured pole position, outpacing Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in a tightly contested session. Russell’s pole position is particularly notable given his comments about having “a few more points on my licence,” hinting at ongoing battles with Verstappen for race dominance. Charles Leclerc also expressed confidence in his qualifying lap, stating it was “good enough for pole” before encountering traffic issues. Grid penalties, start positions, and strategic decisions will undoubtedly influence how the race unfolds, especially with some drivers, like Yuki Tsunoda, receiving grid penalties for infractions such as red flag infringements. As the race progresses, fans and teams alike will be closely watching the impact of these penalties and how the recent stewarding controversies might affect race officiating and FIA policies moving forward. Overall, the Canadian GP presents a mix of on-track excitement and off-track administrative developments, highlighting the sport’s ongoing balancing act between competitive racing and maintaining integrity within its officiating processes. The FIA’s actions indicate a renewed emphasis on conduct standards for officials, aiming to bolster public confidence amid an era of heightened scrutiny of race decisions and stewarding transparency.