In the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing, where split-second decisions can make or break a race, the role of stewards is crucial. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, recently called for a significant overhaul of the steward system in Formula 1. Brown’s proposal involves moving towards employing full-time FIA race stewards, a departure from the current practice of relying on unpaid volunteers who only receive travel expenses for their services.
The need for professional stewards has been a topic of debate in the F1 community, with concerns about the consistency of decision-making. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has shown openness to the idea of permanent stewards but has raised the critical question of who should bear the financial burden of their salaries. Brown, speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange: London, emphasized the importance of having a professional body of stewards to ensure fair and consistent rulings in the sport.
“The biggest thing we need to do is approach the stewarding system,” Brown stated. “To have part-time, unpaid stewards in a multi-billion-dollar sport where everything is on the line to make the right call…It is a technical job and when you get it right, no one says ‘great job’. But I don’t think we are set up for success by not having full-time stewards.”
Brown’s proposal involves a collaborative effort from the teams, the FIA, and Formula 1 to contribute to the funding of full-time stewards. He acknowledged that this idea might not be popular among his fellow teams but stressed the importance of investing in the sport’s integrity. With McLaren’s recent success in winning the constructors’ championship title, Brown highlighted the crucial role played by their team principal, Andrea Stella.
“I asked Andrea to become the team principal back in 2019 but he felt we were not ready yet,” Brown shared. “He has very little ego, so he’s not one of these individuals who jumps at the chance to be team principal. He just felt he wasn’t ready, even though I felt he was.”
Stella’s cautious approach and attention to detail have proven to be invaluable for McLaren, as Brown explained, “He identified that we were going to have big problems, which I suspected hence the changes.” The collaborative efforts of individuals like Stella have been instrumental in McLaren’s success and highlight the importance of having dedicated professionals in key roles within the sport.
As the Formula 1 community continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the call for a revamped steward system reflects a commitment to excellence and fairness in the sport. Brown’s proposal to transition to full-time professional stewards may spark a shift in how decisions are made on the track, ultimately enhancing the overall integrity of Formula 1 racing. By investing in the expertise and dedication of stewards, the sport can uphold its reputation for precision and excellence, ensuring that every race is decided fairly and transparently.
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