FIA’s Controversies: The Dual Role Dilemma of Race Stewards in Formula 1

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is currently facing scrutiny regarding the actions of its race stewards, especially following criticisms aimed at Max Verstappen by one of its officials. This official, Derek Warwick, who is also a commentator for a betting site and a former Formula 1 driver, has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of such dual roles. This scenario is reminiscent of an incident earlier in 2025 when Johnny Herbert, another ex-F1 driver, was removed from his stewarding role due to similar conflicts of interest.

In a significant move earlier in the year, the FIA decided to relieve Herbert from his duties as a steward, citing concerns over the compatibility of his official responsibilities with his commentary work, which included making critical remarks about both Max Verstappen and his father, Jos Verstappen, during interviews for betting platforms. Although the stewards are not considered full-time employees of the FIA, the organization took a firm stance in this matter.

However, there seems to be a lack of a clear internal policy regarding interviews conducted by stewards. Just last week, Warwick gave an interview to a betting site, coincidentally discussing the recent Spanish Grand Prix and putting the spotlight on Max Verstappen. While Warwick maintained a more subdued approach compared to Herbert, refraining from overtly criticizing the Dutch driver, this situation has reignited the debate over the potential conflicts that arise from the dual roles of steward and commentator.

In 2024, the FIA had defended the idea that these overlapping roles could coexist, asserting that a steward could share opinions during the week and remain objective during race weekends. Yet, the recurrence of such situations raises concerns and suggests the need for the FIA to take proactive measures to avoid conflicts of interest in the future.

This discussion is not a call for Warwick’s removal, but rather a plea for the FIA to revisit and revise its policies. At a time when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem celebrated a profit of $5.37 million in 2024, the status of the stewards, often described as ‘volunteers,’ prompts the question of whether it would be more prudent to ensure that these individuals do not require additional jobs with betting companies or other entities. This would allow them to serve the FIA and Formula 1 fully and impartially.

The Role of Race Stewards in Formula 1

Race stewards play a critical role in ensuring fair competition in Formula 1. They are responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport during races, making decisions on penalties, and ensuring that all participants adhere to the regulations. The integrity of their decisions is paramount, as any perceived bias can undermine the credibility of the sport itself.

Stewards are typically experienced individuals with a background in motorsport, often former drivers or team principals. However, their dual roles as commentators or analysts can create a perception of conflict, especially if their public statements appear to influence their official duties. This is particularly relevant in a sport as scrutinized as Formula 1, where every decision can have significant implications for teams and drivers.

The Controversy Surrounding Derek Warwick

Derek Warwick’s recent comments have reignited discussions around the appropriateness of stewards also serving as commentators. His interview, where he analyzed the Spanish Grand Prix and discussed Max Verstappen, has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that Warwick’s position as a steward should preclude him from making public comments that could be interpreted as biased or unfair.

While Warwick’s critiques were less direct than those made by Johnny Herbert, the mere act of commenting on a race in which he has an official role raises questions about impartiality. The FIA’s inability to establish a clear policy on this matter could lead to further instances where stewards find themselves in contentious situations.

Historical Context: Johnny Herbert’s Removal

Johnny Herbert’s removal from the FIA’s stewarding panel earlier in 2025 serves as a cautionary tale. His dismissal stemmed from his public remarks about Verstappen, which the FIA deemed incompatible with the duties expected of a steward. This decision highlighted the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport, but it also exposed the lack of a comprehensive policy regarding the public statements of stewards.

Herbert’s case not only drew attention to the potential conflicts of interest but also set a precedent for how the FIA might handle similar situations in the future. The fact that Warwick continues to comment publicly while serving as a steward raises concerns about consistency in the FIA’s approach to managing conflicts of interest.

The Need for Clear Policies

The FIA’s current policies surrounding the roles of stewards and commentators seem inadequate in addressing the complexities that arise from dual roles. As the sport continues to evolve and attract a larger audience, the organization must ensure that its regulations are robust enough to maintain the integrity of both the sport and its officials.

Establishing clear guidelines for stewards regarding public statements and media engagements would help mitigate the risks of perceived bias. Such policies could delineate when and how stewards may interact with the media, ensuring that their official duties remain distinct from their commentary roles.

The Financial Implications of Stewarding Roles

With FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently announcing a profit of $5.37 million in 2024, there is an opportunity for the organization to reassess how it compensates its stewards. Currently classified as ‘volunteers,’ many stewards may feel compelled to seek additional income through commentary roles, particularly if they are not adequately compensated for their stewarding duties.

By reevaluating the compensation structure for stewards, the FIA could attract individuals who are solely focused on their stewarding responsibilities, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflicts of interest arising from external engagements. Ensuring that stewards are not financially reliant on commentary roles could foster a more impartial decision-making environment during races.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The ongoing situation involving Derek Warwick and the broader implications for the FIA highlight the need for a reevaluation of policies concerning the roles of stewards in Formula 1. As the sport continues to be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, the FIA must take proactive steps to ensure that its officials can perform their duties without the influence of external pressures.

While the call for change is not aimed at any individual steward, it emphasizes the necessity for the FIA to establish clearer guidelines and policies. By doing so, the organization can help preserve the integrity of Formula 1 and maintain the trust of its fans, teams, and drivers.

In an era where the lines between various roles in motorsport are increasingly blurred, the FIA has a unique opportunity to lead by example, ensuring that its stewards remain committed to fairness and impartiality, free from the distractions of external commentary and potential conflicts of interest.