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dpa
Berlin
Lewis Hamilton, haunted by a controversial end to last season when Max Verstappen took his Formula One title, wants to see more unbiased and female stewards in the sport.
Red Bull’s Verstappen won his maiden title when he overtook the Mercedes driver on the final lap in Abu Dhabi after race director Michael Masi bent the rules following a safety car phase.
Masi has been removed as race director this season with the governing FIA bringing in a new system including a Virtual Race Control Room, which will operate similar to football’s Video Assistant Referee.
Hamilton thinks the FIA can go further and look at the make-up of the stewards’ panel.
“I want to see more women in the stewards’ room,” the seven-times champion told reporters at the first pre-season test in Barcelona on Wednesday.
“I don’t think we have many, I think last year it was maybe one or two. And I think it would be awesome for them to have a male and female as the two race directors.
“I think that’s a great way of promoting diversity too.” Hamilton also made a cryptic comment about whether certain officials are too close to some drivers.
“We need to make sure we get non-biased stewards too,” Hamilton said.
“Racing drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals. Some travel with certain individuals, and tend to take more of a keen liking to some of them.” In response the FIA told Britain’s PA agency: “The FIA is proud of its global stewarding pathway that connects and develops the most talented stewards from across motor sport.
“This has resulted in a strong, independent and
experienced group of officials who carry out their work with impartiality and the utmost professionalism.”
Berlin
Lewis Hamilton, haunted by a controversial end to last season when Max Verstappen took his Formula One title, wants to see more unbiased and female stewards in the sport.
Red Bull’s Verstappen won his maiden title when he overtook the Mercedes driver on the final lap in Abu Dhabi after race director Michael Masi bent the rules following a safety car phase.
Masi has been removed as race director this season with the governing FIA bringing in a new system including a Virtual Race Control Room, which will operate similar to football’s Video Assistant Referee.
Hamilton thinks the FIA can go further and look at the make-up of the stewards’ panel.
“I want to see more women in the stewards’ room,” the seven-times champion told reporters at the first pre-season test in Barcelona on Wednesday.
“I don’t think we have many, I think last year it was maybe one or two. And I think it would be awesome for them to have a male and female as the two race directors.
“I think that’s a great way of promoting diversity too.” Hamilton also made a cryptic comment about whether certain officials are too close to some drivers.
“We need to make sure we get non-biased stewards too,” Hamilton said.
“Racing drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals. Some travel with certain individuals, and tend to take more of a keen liking to some of them.” In response the FIA told Britain’s PA agency: “The FIA is proud of its global stewarding pathway that connects and develops the most talented stewards from across motor sport.
“This has resulted in a strong, independent and
experienced group of officials who carry out their work with impartiality and the utmost professionalism.”
