Martin Brundle has shown his full support for Derek Warwick after he was suspended from his role as an FIA driver steward.
The FIA announced on Friday that Warwick had been suspended from his race steward duties for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix due to “unauthorised media comments” about Max Verstappen’s Spanish Grand Prix penalty.
“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,” the FIA stated.
“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.”
The decision to suspend Warwick has led to many reactions from within the paddock. Brundle shared his “absolute support” for Warwick.
“Derek Warwick is one of the most genuine and passionate people and racers I have ever known. He is a salt of the earth genuine guy,” the former F1 driver shared on social media.
Martin Brundle
Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images
” 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.”
Brundle’s Sky Sports F1 colleague Karun Chandhok also commented on the suspension via X.
“This is a shame and a bit confusing especially as Derek’s comments that I read a few days ago were that he agrees with the stewards decision from Spain and thought they did a good job….”
Warwick, who was not on the stewards panel in Barcelona, commented on Verstappen’s 10-second penalty in the Spanish Grand Prix after a clash with Russell. On top of this being an “unauthorised media comment,” the interview was also via a PR agency with a link to an online betting site.
Johnny Herbert was removed from his role as steward earlier this year due to being involved with these types of interviews.
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