Lewis Hamilton has hinted that some existing race stewards may not be as unbiased as they could be, as the seven-time World Champion urged changes to ensure "non-biased" stewarding. With Hamilton back in the spotlight as pre-season testing began in Barcelona on Wednesday, the Mercedes driver was asked for his thoughts on the recent changes announced by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Along with the introduction of a Virtual Race Control Room, using technology to ably assist the real Race Control, Michael Masi has been ousted from his role as Race Director. Two Race Directors have been appointed in his place, with Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich taking over the responsibilities, ably backed by permanent advisor Herbie Blash.
Hamilton wants "non-biased" stewarding
But it's the rotating driver stewards panel for Grands Prix that Hamilton targeted when he was asked for comment about the changes being made to how races are governed. "We need to make sure we get non-biased stewards," Hamilton bluntly told media, including RacingNews365.com , at a press conference held during the lunch break on the opening day of testing. "Race drivers... some are very, very good friends with certain individuals. Some travel with certain individuals and tend to take a more keen liking to some. "I think [we] just [need] people who have no bias and [are] super central when it comes to making decisions."
Hamilton urges more female representation
Hamilton also outlined how he'd like to see further diversity in the Race Control room, saying more female stewards are needed. "I want to see more women in the stewards' room," he commented. "I think we don't have any; I think maybe last year [there] was one or two." The hiring of the two new Race Directors Freitas and Wittich also piqued Hamilton's interest, as he added that he would welcome a change to bring a female Race Director into the fold. "I think it'd be awesome for them to have a male and female as the two Race Directors," he explained. "I think the two Race Directors [they're] talking about doing, I think that's a great way of promoting diversity too."
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