Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has mounted a vigorous defence of Derek Warwick after the FIA steward was suspended from the Canadian Grand Prix for making unauthorised public comments about Max Verstappen's penalty.
The former Formula 1 driver took to X, formerly Twitter, to express unwavering support for Warwick, who was banned after his comments about the Spanish Grand Prix penalty appeared through unconventional channels.
Warwick's suspension stems from remarks that were distributed by a PR agency working on behalf of gambling company Plejmo, rather than through established media outlets.
The FIA took swift action upon discovering the nature and source of these public comments, removing Warwick from his stewarding duties for the Montreal race weekend. The controversy centres on Warwick providing an interview to a PR company, which then offered his comments to publishers in exchange for crediting Plejmo.
Martin Brundle has sung Derek Warwick's Praises
PAThis unconventional marketing approach sees Plejmo's name circulated across the internet without direct contact between the company and the commentators.
The FIA's statement confirmed: "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."
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Enrique Bernoldi replaced Warwick for the Canadian race, officiating from the Remote Operations Centre in Geneva. The governing body noted that Warwick acknowledged his comments were "ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward" and apologised. He was scheduled to return to stewarding duties at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Brundle's defence of his colleague was particularly emphatic, focusing on Warwick's character rather than the circumstances of his suspension.
"Derek Warwick is one of the most genuine and passionate people and racers I have ever known," Brundle wrote on X.
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Derek Warwick was suspended for the Canadian Grand Prix
Getty"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."
The Sky Sports commentator concluded his statement with a powerful declaration of loyalty: "He has my absolute support and friendship until my last breath."
Notably, Brundle's comments avoided any discussion of the specific actions that led to Warwick's suspension, instead emphasising the steward's contributions to motorsport and his personal integrity.
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The Warwick incident highlights a broader issue within Formula 1's officiating structure, where FIA stewards serve as unpaid volunteers.
This lack of financial compensation has led some stewards to seek alternative income sources, creating potential conflicts of interest. Johnny Herbert, another FIA steward, faced similar consequences when he provided quotes to a gambling website.
Johnny Herbert was removed from his stewarding role due to his media activities
GETTYThe FIA subsequently removed Herbert from his stewarding role, declaring his media activities "incompatible" with his position as a race official.
These cases underscore the challenges facing stewards who perform their duties out of a sense of obligation rather than monetary reward.
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