P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA told to pay for ‘very important role’ that can spark ‘online hate’
The FIA has been urged to start paying its F1 stewards due to the demanding role they play in modern-day F1. This issue was emphasized during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend when former F1 driver Derek Warwick was suspended from his steward duties by the governing body. Warwick’s suspension occurred after he gave an interview to a gambling website post-Spanish Grand Prix, an event he was not involved in, prompting the FIA’s response due to “unauthorised media comments”. Johnny Herbert also faced repercussions for comments made last season, leading the FIA to assert the incompatibility between his roles as a steward and a media pundit. Despite Warwick supporting the Spanish GP stewards’ decision against Verstappen, the FIA deemed it necessary to take action, with Warwick later apologizing and set to resume duties at the upcoming Austrian race. The 2016 F1 champion, Nico Rosberg, backed the FIA’s move despite its perceived severity, highlighting the importance of stewards adhering to guidelines. Rosberg and commentator David Croft agreed that given the FIA’s control over stewards, paying them a salary rather than relying on volunteers would be more appropriate, recognizing the challenging nature of their role and the criticism they often endure.
