Mercedes driver George Russell expressed support for the FIA’s decision to impose only a one-race ban on steward Derek Warwick following Warwick’s recent media comments. Russell emphasized that any penalty extending beyond the suspension for the Canadian Grand Prix would be excessive, describing it as “a bit OTT.”
Derek Warwick was barred from serving as a steward at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal after his controversial remarks during several interviews led to criticism. Warwick, a former Formula 1 driver with four podium finishes, had been scheduled to oversee the race but was sidelined due to the FIA’s strict response.
Details of Warwick’s Suspension and Replacement
The 70-year-old official’s statements, which surfaced through a gambling company’s media releases, included critical opinions about current Formula 1 drivers such as Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Yuki Tsunoda. Warwick also commented on the collision between Max Verstappen and George Russell at the recent Spanish Grand Prix, a race where Verstappen was penalized with a 10-place grid drop and three penalty points, though Warwick was not involved in that stewarding decision.
In an official FIA statement, the governing body clarified:
“Following recent unauthorised media comments, the FIA has taken the decision to suspend Derek Warwick from his duties as driver steward for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.”
To fill the vacancy, Enrique Bernoldi took over stewarding responsibilities remotely from the Geneva Remote Operations Centre for the remainder of the event.
Warwick’s Response and Future Return to Stewarding
After discussions with the FIA, Warwick acknowledged that his media comments were inappropriate given his role, and he issued an apology. The FIA confirmed he will return to stewarding duties at the Austrian Grand Prix in the coming weeks.
“After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised. Derek will resume his duties as a steward in the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix,”
the FIA stated.
Russell’s Views on Stewarding and Media Scrutiny
Speaking at the post-qualifying press conference in Canada, where he secured pole position, Russell weighed in on Warwick’s situation, highlighting the challenges stewards face in the current environment.
“We’re obviously all open to have our own views,”
Russell said, before adding,
“I think what Derek said, I don’t think it probably offended anybody, hence why we’re going to see him back. And principally, I think, these days every word you say gets scrutinised.”
Russell also stressed that stewards volunteer their time without financial gain and lead full lives outside Formula 1. He remarked,
“They have a life outside of Formula 1 as well. We all speak to media in the paddock. So, if it was anything more than his sort of temporary, I don’t want to say ban, but his temporary avoidance of stewarding this weekend, I think anything more than that would have been a bit OTT.”
Context of Stewarding Discipline in Formula 1
The ban imposed on Warwick contrasts with the fate of Johnny Herbert, a former driver who was permanently removed from stewarding duties earlier this year over similar breaches of media protocol. Warwick’s temporary suspension, therefore, signals the FIA’s effort to maintain a balance between enforcing rules and recognizing the voluntary nature of steward roles in Formula 1.
