The FIA dismisses calls for professional F1 stewards, citing costs, while Steiner argues consistency requires full-time, paid officials.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has definitively ruled out the possibility of having professional, salaried stewards in F1.
According to him, the FIA simply lacks the resources to train, develop, and pay full-time race stewards.
“I understand the interest in having professional stewards, but we don’t have the money for that,” he stated during the FIA General Assembly taking place this week in Rwanda, concluding tonight with the prize-giving gala.
This is a clear response to the GPDA, which has also questioned how the fines collected throughout the year are being utilized.
For Gunther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, the current situation regarding stewards in Formula 1 is one of the sport’s biggest issues.
When asked by Ouest-France what he would change in F1 today, he replied:
“I would make two changes. First, I’d increase the number of sprint races—from six to twelve. I really enjoy weekends where the competition begins on Friday with sprint qualifying and includes a race on Saturday.”
“And second, regarding race stewards, I would like them to be permanent employees to ensure consistency in the penalties issued.”
“Formula 1 is one of the biggest sports in the world. I don’t think it’s fair that stewards are not full-time employees. Football referees are full-time and paid for it. Responsibilities should be rewarded.”
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Steiner Pushes for Paid F1 Stewards, FIA Says No Steiner Pushes for Paid F1 Stewards, FIA Says No
