Russell and Sainz Advocate for Permanent F1 Stewards Amid Consistency Concerns

George Russell has publicly called for permanent, paid FIA Formula 1 stewards, arguing that the sport's multi-billion dollar status demands professional decision-makers rather than volunteers. This comes after Carlos Sainz praised the incident analysis of former F1 drivers Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, and Jolyon Palmer, suggesting their insights set a standard that current stewarding often misses.

Why it matters:

F1 stewarding consistency has been a contentious issue among drivers and fans, with rotating panels leading to varying interpretations of racing guidelines. Establishing a permanent team of experienced stewards could significantly enhance the fairness and predictability of penalties, crucial for maintaining sporting integrity and driver confidence in a championship where every point matters.

The Details:

• Driver Concerns: Carlos Sainz initiated the discussion by requesting an "urgent" meeting with the FIA following a 10-second penalty issued to Oscar Piastri in Brazil, an incident he felt was mishandled.
• Expert Analysis: Sainz highlighted the precise incident analysis offered by Sky F1 commentators Karun Chandhok and Anthony Davidson, alongside Jolyon Palmer, as a benchmark for how incidents should be judged.
• Russell's Argument: George Russell agreed with Sainz, emphasizing that these analysts benefit from no pressure, ample time for decision-making, and the freedom to base judgments on pure racing experience rather than rigid guidelines.
• Limitations of Current System: Russell pointed out that current stewards are bound by guidelines, which can't cover every racing scenario. This often leads to decisions based on strict rules rather than a nuanced understanding of racing intricacies, like tire lift on a banking circuit.
• Proposed Solution: Russell advocates for permanent stewards, ideally ex-F1 drivers, who possess deep racing knowledge and can apply consistent interpretations. He stressed that F1, as a multi-billion dollar sport, should invest in paying these professionals.
• Unity Among Drivers: Russell believes a majority of drivers support the idea of permanent stewarding, viewing it as the most effective path to consistency, despite acknowledging that drivers directly involved in incidents will always have differing opinions.

What's next:

While the drivers' meeting in Qatar provided a platform for these concerns, the implementation of permanent stewards requires significant financial commitment from somebody, as Russell stated. The FIA will need to consider the economic implications and structural changes necessary to transition from a rotating, volunteer-based system to a professional, permanent one. Success in this area could define the fairness of F1 for years to come, potentially leading to more transparent and respected decisions.