FIA Suspension Sparks Debate Over Steward Guidelines

Derek Warwick, a veteran FIA steward and former F1 driver, was suspended from his duties at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix after making unauthorized media comments about current drivers, including Max Verstappen's penalty and Lewis Hamilton's future at Ferrari. Warwick's remarks were made to a gambling website, which the FIA deemed inappropriate for someone in his officiating position. As a result, Enrique Bernoldi replaced Warwick for the Canadian Grand Prix, officiating remotely from Geneva. Warwick apologized for his actions, and the FIA confirmed he will return to stewarding at the Austrian Grand Prix. This marks the second recent case of a steward being suspended over media-related issues, following Johnny Herbert earlier in the season. The situation has reignited debate over the compatibility of steward roles with media and betting firm engagements and highlighted the absence of clear FIA guidelines on the matter.