FIA proud of stewarding despite Lewis Hamilton's suggestion of bias
Thursday, 24 February 2022
F1®'s governing body defends stewarding.
The FIA has expressed pride at the standard of stewarding in Formula 1®, in response to Lewis Hamilton's earlier comments on the need for "non-biased stewards" in the upcoming season.
Hamilton, who missed out on a record-breaking eighth title in a controversial finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December, made the comments at 2022's first testing session in Barcelona.
The 37-year-old lost his title to Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the final seconds of the season, after since-removed race director Michael Masi unlapped a series of cars to permit one final lap of racing, with the Dutchman on new tyres.
Hamilton criticised the officiating of F1® in a news conference, insisting that some drivers "are very good friends with certain individuals" and claiming a requirement for "non-biased stewards".
In response, a spokesman for the sport's governing body said: "The FIA is proud of its global stewarding pathway that connects and develops the most talented stewards from across motorsport."
"This has resulted in a strong, independent and experienced group of officials who carry out their work with impartiality and the utmost professionalism."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had earlier disagreed with Hamilton's comments, saying he did not think there was a "conscious bias" towards any teams.
Hamilton completed 50 laps in Mercedes' new W13 car in Barcelona, and will kick-start his attempt to regain the title at the Bahrain Grand Prix next month. Meanwhile, his team are looking to extend their record-breaking run of eight successive constructors' titles, which began in 2014.
Lewis doing the business this afternoon in Barcelona. 👌
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 23, 2022
Back for more tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/bHGWYyIOFp
