FIA President Cites Budget Issues In Discussing Permanent Stewards

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed receptiveness to the concept of permanent stewards in Formula 1 to enhance decision-making consistency. However, he pointed out significant financial limitations, stating that the FIA currently lacks the budget required to employ full-time stewards. Amid calls for reform from drivers, Ben Sulayem emphasized that while teams and drivers benefit financially from the sport, they should not dictate the FIA's operational structure. He argued for the necessity of investment in steward training to bolster their officiating effectiveness.

While addressing requests, particularly from George Russell, for permanent stewards to ensure consistent penalty enforcement, Ben Sulayem reiterated the financial constraints that impede this initiative. He suggested that if teams truly prioritize this change, they should accept the responsibility of funding it. This conversation comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny on stewarding practices, especially after controversial calls by part-time officials. In a separate development, the Chinese Grand Prix recently announced a five-year contract extension, underscoring the growing appeal of Formula 1 in the region.