FIA Considers Major Breakthrough in F1 Stewarding
The FIA is exploring major overhauls to its Formula 1 stewarding system for 2026, aiming to address driver complaints about inconsistent penalties. Key changes include empowering Driver Stewards with more influence in complex situations and potentially introducing professional, salaried stewards. This move seeks to foster a more nuanced application of rules and inject greater racing expertise into incident assessments, enhancing fairness and clarity in F1's judicial process.
The FIA is considering significant changes to its stewarding system for the 2026 Formula 1 season, including an expanded role for Driver Stewards and the potential introduction of professional, salaried stewards. This comes after widespread driver frustration over inconsistent penalties and a perceived lack of former driver input in incident assessments. The aim is to create a more nuanced and less rigid application of rules, allowing for greater interpretation in unique circumstances.
Why it matters:
Inconsistent stewarding has been a persistent point of contention among F1 drivers, undermining confidence in the fairness and clarity of race decisions. By empowering Driver Stewards and potentially professionalizing the role, the FIA aims to restore trust, improve the quality of judgments, and ensure that penalties reflect the complexities of on-track incidents rather than just a literal interpretation of the rulebook.
The Details:
- Driver Frustration: F1 drivers, in a nearly two-hour meeting with the FIA, voiced significant concerns about the current stewarding system, citing a handbook that is too large and prescriptive, leaving no room for interpretation.
- Oscar Piastri Example: Drivers highlighted cases like Oscar Piastri's penalty in Brazil as an instance where rigid guideline application ignored mitigating factors that a former driver might have considered.
- Expanded Driver Steward Role: For 2026, the Driver Steward's influence is set to increase significantly, especially in situations where guidelines are ambiguous or unique circumstances apply. This is a direct response to driver calls for more input from individuals with direct racing experience.
- Selected 2026 Driver Stewards: Vitantonio Liuzzi, Pedro Lamy, and Derek Warwick have been selected as Driver Stewards for the 2026 season. The FIA is open to additional candidates.
- Professional Stewards: The FIA is seriously considering paying stewards a fixed salary, moving away from the current expense allowance model. This 'professional' approach, common in other major sports, aims to attract more experienced former drivers who might currently opt for lucrative TV analyst roles.
- Rotation System Maintained: Despite considering salaries, the FIA remains committed to a rotation system for stewards, opposing permanent positions to prevent potential bias.
- Panel Structure: Each race weekend will continue to feature four stewards, with the Driver Steward expected to have greater sway. On some weekends, a fifth 'intern' steward from the FIA’s High Performance training program will join the panel to gain experience and support.
What's next:
The FIA is not rushing to finalize its 2026 framework but is actively working to incorporate driver feedback into significant changes. The discussions are set to continue as the federation explores ways to enhance the stewarding program and ensure a sufficient pool of talented officials across all categories. If implemented effectively, these changes could lead to a more respected and consistent decision-making process in Formula 1, benefiting both competitors and fans alike.