FIA Steward Warwick Suspended from Canadian GP
Former Formula 1 driver Derek Warwick has been suspended from his role as an FIA steward for the Canadian Grand Prix due to what the governing body described as “unauthorised media comments.”
In a statement, the FIA announced that Warwick would be replaced by Brazilian ex-F1 driver Enrique Bernoldi, who will serve remotely from the FIA’s operations centre in Geneva for the rest of the weekend.
The suspension follows remarks Warwick made on a gambling website regarding a penalty given to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Warwick said Verstappen was “absolutely wrong” for colliding with George Russell and supported the FIA’s decision to penalize him.
Although he attempted to explain the incident as a momentum issue, his public commentary breached FIA regulations for stewards, who are expected to maintain neutrality and confidentiality.
“After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised,” the FIA said, adding that Warwick is expected to return to stewarding duties at the Austrian Grand Prix.
This is the second time in recent months that the FIA has disciplined a steward for public commentary.
In January, Johnny Herbert was removed from stewarding responsibilities over a conflict between his media work and FIA role.
The move comes amid criticism of the FIA’s leadership under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, particularly following the recent approval of controversial statute changes that some say weaken transparency and accountability.
Despite claiming that stewards are “independent,” the FIA’s actions suggest a tightening grip on officials who publicly discuss race rulings.
FIA Steward Warwick Suspended from Canadian GP