Chandhok points to 'forgotten' issue as F1 steward debate rages

Karun Chandhok insists he would rather focus on improving driving standards in F1 rather than focusing on the debate around permanent stewards.

There are increasing calls for F1 to appoint full-time professional stewards to oversee races in place of the volunteer system currently in place.

However, questions such as who would pay for the stewards and whether any would want to commit to the full 24-race calendar means the idea is still at an early stage, but former F1 racer turned Sky pundit Chandhok believes the debate is overshadowing concerns around driving standards.

"It is an issue which makes a lot of noise, but if you ask me if it is one the biggest issues in Formula 1, the answer is no," Chandhok told media including RacingNews365 of permanent stewards.

"I'd rather spend the time and energy sorting out driving standards and things like that to be honest, so I spend very little energy thinking about it. 

"There should be permanent, paid professional stewards because then you get consistency and accountability. 

"We're all paid to do a job when we're in the sport, race directors and everyone is paid to be there, and if you want to get people to commit to 24 weekends plus training seminars and all the rest - it is basically a full-time job - they should be paid to do it."