F1 Update:Martin Brundle Voices Strong Support for Suspended F1 Steward Derek Warwick Amid FIA S...read more

Martin Brundle Voices Strong Support for Suspended F1 Steward Derek Warwick Amid FIA Sanctions.

Renowned Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle has publicly stood by long-time friend and fellow former driver Derek Warwick, who was recently suspended from his stewarding duties by the FIA.

The controversy erupted after Friday’s practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix, when the FIA confirmed Warwick’s suspension, citing “unauthorised media comments” as the reason. Warwick had been slated to serve as a steward during the Montreal race weekend, but was swiftly replaced by Enrique Bernoldi. Bernoldi will now carry out steward responsibilities from the FIA’s Remote Operations Centre in Geneva.

In an official statement, the FIA said:

“Following recent unauthorised media comments, the FIA has taken the decision to suspend Derek Warwick from his duties as driver steward for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.

He will be replaced by Enrique Bernoldi who will be officiating from the Remote Operations Centre in Geneva for the remainder of the event.

After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised. Derek will resume his duties as a steward in the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix.”

Warwick’s suspension is believed to be linked to an interview he recently gave to a gambling-focused media outlet. In the interview, he offered personal opinions on several F1-related matters, including speculation about Lewis Hamilton’s potential retirement from the sport. These public remarks, while not overtly controversial, appear to have breached the FIA’s strict guidelines around media communication by officials in active roles.

Brundle, a long-time F1 analyst and former racer himself, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his unwavering support for Warwick.

“Derek Warwick is one of the most genuine and passionate people and racers I have ever known,” Brundle wrote.

“He is a salt of the earth, genuine guy. He’s done so much for young racers and motorsport in general. Not least as an FIA Steward. He has my absolute support and friendship until my last breath.”

The incident comes amid a broader tightening of FIA oversight regarding public comments made by its officials. Earlier this season, another well-known ex-driver and steward, Johnny Herbert, was removed from his role reportedly due to similar issues around unauthorised public statements.

Despite the temporary setback, Warwick is expected to return to stewarding duties at the Austrian Grand Prix, with both the FIA and Warwick treating the matter as resolved after his apology.

Brundle’s public defense adds a personal and emotional dimension to the situation, highlighting Warwick’s long-standing commitment to motorsport and the respect he commands among his peers—even in the face of regulatory missteps.