Chandhok Thanks Sainz for Steward Suggestion but Stays with Sky Pad

Former F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok has responded to Carlos Sainz's suggestion that he, along with Anthony Davidson and Jolyon Palmer, would be ideal F1 stewards. While appreciative of Sainz's high praise for his post-race analysis, Chandhok stated he isn't ready to give up his current role with Sky Sports.

Why it matters:

Formula 1 stewarding has faced significant criticism this season, with drivers frequently questioning the consistency and fairness of decisions. This has led to crucial discussions between drivers and the FIA, highlighting a collective desire for improved, more consistent, and racer-informed judgments. Sainz's direct call-out for experienced ex-drivers as stewards underscores the urgent need for a 'racer's perspective' in F1's judicial process.

The Details:

• Driver Frustration: Carlos Sainz and other drivers have voiced strong dissatisfaction with stewarding decisions, citing incidents like Sainz's own 10-second penalty at Zandvoort, which was later partially reviewed. Charles Leclerc also argued that Oscar Piastri's penalty in Brazil was undeserved.
• Sainz's Proposal: Ahead of the annual 'Driving Standards Review' meeting with the FIA, Sainz publicly named Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, and Jolyon Palmer as ideal candidates for future F1 stewards.
• Rationale for Selection: Sainz praised their post-race analysis, noting, "Every time I see this analysis that they do and the verdict that they give from racing drivers that have been recently racing, I think they do a very good analysis, and they put the blame correctly, most of the time, on who actually has the blame, or if it's actually just a racing incident."
• High-Level Analysis: Sainz described their analytical capabilities as "very high level," believing they are "90 percent, let's say, correct" in their judgments.
• Chandhok's Response: Chandhok acknowledged Sainz's comments on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Ha! Thanks Carlos Sainz. Would be good to work with the drivers and stewards for the betterment of the sport but not ready to give up the day job yet." This indicates his appreciation for the sentiment but a preference for his current media role.

The Big Picture:

The ongoing debate over stewarding reflects a broader tension within F1 between regulating on-track action and preserving the integrity of racing. Drivers are advocating for a system that leverages direct racing experience, believing that ex-drivers possess an innate understanding of on-track dynamics that current stewards might lack. The FIA's challenge is to balance consistent application of rules with the nuances of high-stakes racing, potentially by integrating more experienced driver insights into their decision-making panels.

What's next:

The FIA has held its 'Driving Standards Review' meeting with drivers to address these concerns. While Chandhok's immediate move to a steward role is unlikely, the public endorsement from a prominent driver like Sainz could pressure the FIA to further explore how to incorporate more ex-driver expertise into their stewarding processes, possibly in advisory roles or a more structured rotating panel. The ongoing discussions will likely focus on finding solutions that ensure fairness and consistency, thereby boosting driver confidence in the regulatory system.