Just before the Canadian Grand Prix, the FIA decided to temporarily stop Derek Warwick from working as a steward. This happened after he gave an interview where he shared his opinions about a recent race incident involving Max Verstappen. The decision shows how important it is for officials to stay neutral and follow rules.
What Led to the Suspension?
Warwick, a former F1 driver with many races behind him, made comments about Verstappen's crash in Spain. In the interview, he talked about whether Verstappen should have received a harsher penalty. He made remarks about what the stewards decided and shared his own views, which is against FIA rules.
The FIA took quick action, saying Warwick’s comments were not allowed because they could cause problems in the sport. They suspended him from his role as a steward for the Canadian race and replaced him temporarily with another official, Enrique Bernoldi. Warwick said he understood and accepted the decision and apologized for his actions.
This incident shows how officials need to stay professional and avoid commenting publicly on ongoing races or decisions. The FIA stressed that stewards should act independently and not speak out about specific incidents or penalties while the race is happening.
Why Do These Rules Matter?
Stewards are trusted to make fair decisions in racing. When they talk openly about their opinions, it can raise questions about fairness and bias. The FIA wants to keep things clean and transparent, so officials must be careful what they say outside of their official duties.
This isn’t the first time a steward or official has gotten into trouble for speaking out. Some other officials have also been suspended or warned for giving interviews that could influence opinions or create doubts about fairness. The FIA is clear that all officials must follow strict rules to protect the integrity of the sport.
Warwick’s case shows how important it is to keep opinions private and stick to the rules. It also highlights the challenges officials face when dealing with media and public comments. The FIA encourages transparency but also insists that officials avoid statements that could affect the reputation of the sport or its fairness.
In the future, Warwick will miss out on his role in the Canadian GP but is expected to return for upcoming races, including the Austrian Grand Prix. His suspension is a reminder to all officials about the importance of professionalism and following the rules, ensuring F1 remains a fair and exciting sport for everyone.
