The FIA has removed ex-F1 driver Derek Warwick from his role as Driver Steward for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, citing “unauthorized” media comments.
The 70-year-old, a four-time podium finisher in F1, was set to officiate at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve but will now be replaced following the publication of controversial remarks made to a gambling media outlet.
Warwick's suspension comes after multiple websites circulated quotes attributed to him in recent days, in which he appeared to criticize several active drivers – including Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, and Yuki Tsunoda – as part of promotional content for a betting company.
The FIA's Statement
The comments, which were not sanctioned by the FIA, quickly drew scrutiny given Warwick’s current responsibilities in adjudicating racing incidents.
The FIA issued an official statement late on Friday confirming Warwick’s removal from the event:
“Following recent unauthorised media comments, the FIA has taken the decision to suspend Derek Warwick from his duties as driver steward for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
“He will be replaced by Enrique Bernoldi, who will be officiating from the Remote Operations Centre in Geneva for the remainder of the event.
“After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised. Derek will resume his duties as a steward in the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix.”
Warwick’s apology and the FIA’s confirmation that he will return in Austria suggest that the suspension is temporary.
However, the move highlights growing concern within the FIA over its officials’ relationships with media and commercial partners – particularly those tied to betting interests.
Second Steward Controversy in Months
This is the second time in 2025 that an F1 steward has been penalized for media conduct involving gambling companies.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert was dropped from the FIA’s stewarding roster earlier this year after comments he made, also as part of a betting partnership, regarding controversial decisions made during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, where Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was penalized twice.
Herbert’s dismissal, and now Warwick’s suspension, mark a tightening of FIA scrutiny over perceived conflicts of interest and public commentary that could undermine the impartiality of its officiating panels.
While Warwick’s reputation as a respected former driver and Le Mans winner remains intact, this incident has cast a spotlight on the increasingly blurred lines between sporting integrity and media engagements – especially when tied to the betting industry.
The FIA has not confirmed whether further guidelines will be issued to stewards to prevent similar incidents in future events.
Read also: Ben Sulayem’s FIA overhaul passes despite calls for delay
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