FIA Urged to Introduce Full-Time Stewards in Move That Could Reshape Formula 1… read more 👇 full details in the comments
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has once again called on the FIA to make a major change to the way Formula 1 is officiated, arguing that the introduction of full-time race stewards could significantly improve decision-making and help the sport avoid controversial situations in the future.
Steiner believes Formula 1 has reached a stage where relying on part-time stewards is no longer enough. With the championship becoming increasingly competitive and regulations growing more complex each season, he insists that permanent officials dedicated solely to race management would provide greater consistency and allow the governing body to refine rules more effectively.
Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner used the dramatic conclusion of this year’s British Grand Prix as a key example of why changes are needed. The race ended behind the safety car after officials determined there was not enough time to restart the action. Existing regulations required all lapped cars to pass the safety car and rejoin the back of the field before a restart could take place, making it impossible to resume racing for the final lap.
Although the FIA simply followed the current rulebook, Steiner argued that situations like this highlight the need for more flexible thinking and a more proactive approach to race management. In his view, a dedicated panel of full-time stewards would have more opportunities throughout the year to review unusual scenarios, improve existing regulations, and prepare solutions for rare but significant incidents.
According to Steiner, permanent stewards would spend far more time analysing races, discussing potential rule adjustments, and identifying loopholes before they become major talking points during a Grand Prix weekend. Rather than reacting after controversial moments occur, they could continuously refine the sporting regulations to ensure the rules evolve alongside the sport.
The former team boss pointed out that Formula 1 has repeatedly faced criticism over safety car procedures in recent years. He believes the governing body’s current system leaves too much room for confusion whenever unusual race-ending situations arise.
Steiner also reflected on the controversial conclusion of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, describing it as one of the biggest controversies the championship has experienced in decades. That race saw confusion surrounding safety car procedures play a decisive role in determining the drivers’ championship, prompting widespread debate and leading the FIA to introduce several procedural changes afterward.
However, Steiner feels those revisions have not fully solved the underlying issues. Five years later, he argues, Formula 1 is still struggling to strike the right balance between following strict regulations and ensuring fans get the best possible racing spectacle whenever circumstances allow.
His proposal is not simply about making quicker decisions during races. Instead, he believes permanent stewards would have the time and resources to work behind the scenes throughout the season, examining every controversial incident in detail and updating the rules where necessary. This long-term approach, he says, would reduce uncertainty and help teams, drivers, and fans better understand how decisions are reached.
Supporters of full-time stewards have previously argued that consistency is one of Formula 1’s biggest challenges. Because stewarding panels can vary from one race weekend to another, interpretations of similar incidents sometimes appear different, leading to criticism from teams and supporters alike.
A permanent group of officials, proponents say, could create more uniform standards while building greater expertise through constant involvement in the championship.
Whether the FIA decides to move in that direction remains uncertain. The governing body has defended many of its current procedures in recent seasons, while continuing to review regulations whenever controversial incidents arise.
Still, Steiner’s latest comments are likely to reignite debate about how Formula 1 should be governed in the future. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and faces increasingly complex competitive situations, calls for professional, full-time race stewards may become louder, with many believing such a move could transform the consistency and credibility of officiating for years to come.
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