Sainz calls for STABILITY: Permanent stewards in F1 to avoid controversies

Carlos Sainz Advocates for Permanent Referees in Formula 1

Williams driver Carlos Sainz has expressed his opinion on the need to implement a permanent panel of referees in Formula 1. According to the experienced racer, this measure could contribute to greater consistency and clarity in the decisions made during the races, thus avoiding the constant debate about penalties and on-track actions. Sainz made these statements after the revocation of a penalty that was imposed on him at the Dutch Grand Prix. The Williams team presented new evidence to the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which demonstrated that the incident in question was a “racing incident”. The driver, who is also part of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), highlighted the importance of this achievement. “It’s a breakthrough because it’s the first time I’ve managed to present new evidence and accept a hearing,” Sainz stated. “We’ve tried before and never succeeded in other teams, so it shows that the mechanism exists and exists for a reason.” The decision to revoke the two penalty points on Sainz’s superlicense underscores the need for constant review of in-race decisions. On-track incidents are evaluated under guidelines established by the FIA, but the unique nature of each collision complicates the process and opens the door to different interpretations.

I think the guidelines have been an effort to make it very clear to the stewards and the drivers who is likely to be responsible [in a collision], but I’m not going to lie, I don’t think they’ve had the impact that we would all like in terms of making it clearer.

Carlos Sainz

Currently, the FIA has more than 20 stewards who rotate each Grand Prix weekend, with a group of four overseeing each race. The proposal to have three or four permanent stewards has gained momentum, arguing that the drivers could learn to interpret the rules from each of them. Sainz dismissed the financial arguments against this idea, pointing out the abundance of resources in Formula 1. Sainz emphasized the importance of stability in decision-making, comparing the situation to that of the FIA race director, Rui Marques. “We have this with the race director, I am really enjoying this new race director, the approach he has and we are starting to understand the kind of decisions he is going to make and the relationship is growing thanks to working now for a year with him,” Sainz explained. The driver concluded by stating that he is in favor of a permanent panel of stewards. “I simply have a very clear opinion about it,” Sainz said. “I see the benefits that gives to the sport and the development with the drivers and the development of the relationship.”