Russell Proposes Overhaul of FIA Stewarding System as Sainz Praises Ex-F1 Drivers’ Insight
The debate surrounding Formula 1’s stewarding structure has intensified once again as Mercedes driver George Russell and Ferrari star Carlos Sainz both called for major reforms to how incidents are judged in the sport. Their comments arrive during a season filled with disputed penalties, inconsistent rulings, and growing frustration among drivers and teams.
Russell Calls for Professional, Permanent Stewards
George Russell has been one of the most vocal advocates for change. The British driver believes that the FIA’s current approach of rotating race stewards from event to event contributes heavily to inconsistency in decision-making. According to him, the root of the problem lies in the sport’s reliance on volunteers who may not possess the same level of continuity, expertise, or familiarity with evolving racing situations.
Russell argued that Formula 1—often described as a billion-dollar global spectacle—cannot afford to have such a crucial element of race governance handled by individuals who are not employed full-time. He insists that a standardized panel of professional stewards, trained and paid to follow the championship throughout the season, would bring about significant improvements in fairness and clarity.
He acknowledged the financial implications of hiring dedicated stewards but stressed that the benefits far outweighed the costs. In his view, the FIA’s current system inadvertently leads to radically different interpretations of similar incidents, leaving drivers confused about what is allowed and what is punishable on track.
Russell also pointed out that the sport’s complex technical and aerodynamic characteristics often influence incidents in ways that are not immediately obvious. He believes that stewards with consistent exposure to team briefings, new car developments, and evolving driving techniques would be far better positioned to judge situations accurately.
Sainz Praises Former Drivers for Analytical Clarity
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has echoed Russell’s frustration but offered a slightly different approach. The Spanish driver believes that part of the inconsistency stems from the lack of real racing experience among many stewards. To address this, Sainz proposed that former Formula 1 drivers be included more frequently in the stewarding process.
He specifically praised the analytical skills of ex-drivers who currently serve as pundits—such as Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, and Jolyon Palmer. These analysts have earned a reputation for breaking down complex racing moments with clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of driver psychology. Their post-race explanations often provide more insight than the official stewarding decisions, Sainz argued.
According to Sainz, this demonstrates the value of having individuals who have competed at the highest level involved directly in the judging process. Such ex-drivers, he suggested, possess a natural feel for racing situations that cannot be replicated through guidelines alone.
He added that Formula 1 has become increasingly dependent on rigid, pre-written rules designed to define acceptable racing behavior, but these guidelines sometimes fail to account for the real-time dynamics of wheel-to-wheel combat. Removing or simplifying some of these overly strict frameworks—and replacing them with expert-driven analysis—could lead to a more organic and realistic interpretation of racing incidents.
Growing Concern Over Inconsistencies in 2025 Season
The calls for reform have arisen in a year marked by several controversial stewarding decisions. Multiple drivers have criticized penalties that appeared inconsistent with previous rulings. Some incidents that seemed nearly identical have received different outcomes, prompting the belief that the rotating structure of the stewarding panel may be undermining fairness.
Drivers also expressed concerns that guidelines designed to standardize rulings are becoming outdated as car behavior and racing situations evolve. The rapid changes in vehicle performance, aerodynamics, and circuit conditions mean that incidents often have layers of complexity that surface-level guidelines fail to capture.
Russell highlighted an incident from earlier in the season as an example. While the collision appeared straightforward on camera, additional factors such as suspension compression, track bumps, and tire behavior played major roles. Without consistent exposure to the technical side of the sport, some stewards may struggle to evaluate such nuances.
Towards a More Reliable Stewarding Framework
Both drivers agree that the FIA must reconsider its approach before the problems escalate further. Whether the solution lies in hiring full-time professional stewards, integrating former drivers more frequently, or simplifying the rulebook, there is a growing consensus that change is necessary.
As Formula 1 continues its push toward becoming a more transparent and fan-friendly championship, a clearer and more consistent stewarding process could strengthen trust among teams, drivers, and the global audience.
The FIA has yet to issue a formal response to the drivers’ proposals, but with more high-profile voices joining the discussion, it is increasingly likely that the issue will be taken up for review in the off-season.
