FIA told to pay for 'very important role' that can spark 'online hate'

The FIA has been urged to finally start paying its F1 stewards due to the "absolutely challenging" role they face in modern-day F1.

The role of a steward has again been in the spotlight this Canadian Grand Prix weekend after former F1 driver Derek Warwick was suspended from his duties at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve by world motorsport's governing body.

The decision came after Warwick gave an interview to a gambling website following the Spanish Grand Prix, an event at which he was not involved. The FIA said the suspension came "following recent unauthorised media comments".

Earlier this year, Johnny Herbert paid the price for his numerous interviews last season, notably for his comments on punishments he was involved with against Red Bull's Max Verstappen. The FIA stated his "duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible".

Although Warwick sided with the Spanish GP stewards and their punishment of Verstappen for causing a collision with Mercedes' George Russell, the FIA felt it important to act. Warwick apologised and will be on duty again for the next race in Austria.  

Nico Rosberg, the 2016 F1 champion, agreed with the FIA's decision, even though its decision appeared harsh.

Speaking in his role as an analyst on Sky Sports F1, he said: "It's right because Derek, when he becomes a steward, he signs a paper which says you are not allowed to make comments on a weekend about drivers, teams, etcetera.

"You can explain processes, the processes that stewards go through to come to certain decisions. That's the only thing a steward is allowed to explain publicly. He went beyond that.

"So it's natural you get asked to end your role as a steward; however, he has apologised, which is nice. And then he will likely be back in Austria, which is also perfectly fine."

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft suggested to Rosberg that if the FIA is going to exercise that level of control over its stewards, then it should pay them a salary, rather than those involved working as volunteers.

"I agree with that as well," said Rosberg, "because the FIA makes a lot of money, so it would make sense to pay for this very important role that these stewards are doing on a weekend."

Highlighting the difficulties they face, he added: "It's absolutely challenging, and the amount of criticism they have to undergo afterwards.

"When they penalise Max Verstappen, they get so much hate online. It's a tough job to do, and you deserve to get paid for that."