Fl drivers urge FIA to use full-time stewards

Formula One drivers have discussed stewards’ decisions and penalty guidelines in a meeting with the governing body amid fresh calls for the appointment of paid, permanent officials with more recent racing experience.

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The governing FIA said in a statement after the meeting earlier this week ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix that the discussion was “frank, open and conducted in a very collegial atmosphere”. No changes will be made for the final two rounds of the season, it added.

The main focus of the discussion was the driving standards guidelines introduced in 2022 after drivers requested clarification of what they are allowed to do while overtaking or defending on track.

The guidelines, seeking consistent decision-making by stewards who change from race-to-race and are unpaid volunteers, have been twice updated since their introduction in agreement with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).