Monday, January 27, 2025
Monday January 27, 2025
Monday January 27, 2025

FIA moves to professionalise officiating with new department as F1 teams voice concerns

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FIA stewarding department changes led by Matteo Perini to improve professionalism and consistency

The FIA stewarding department changes aim to enhance officiating professionalism and address concerns over inconsistent stewarding decisions in Formula 1. In response to criticism from teams like McLaren and Red Bull over controversial race calls last season, the governing body is now prioritizing the improvement of its race officials’ quality and reliability.

The new department, led by experienced steward Matteo Perini, will focus on training the next generation of race stewards, directors, and other key officials across all FIA-sanctioned events. The initiative comes in response to a shortage of trained personnel, with the FIA acknowledging that the number of race stewards and directors does not meet its desired standards.

FIA officials, including single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, have outlined the aim to create a more professional workforce, rather than continuing to rely predominantly on volunteers. With full-time or part-time stewards available, the FIA plans to analyse race decisions post-event, enhancing oversight and ensuring consistent decision-making.

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Tombazis stated, “It’s probably getting a bit unfair to just rely on people to do it out of their good heart, and that’s what we have now.” He added that the goal is to build a “more professional body” that can dedicate time to reviewing race decisions and improving processes, all while maintaining the experience of the current volunteer officials.

Despite criticism, Tombazis argued that analysis has shown FIA decisions are generally consistent, but the body must increase its pool of officials to secure a steady supply of talent for the future.

The move has been widely praised by industry experts, who see it as a critical step in addressing long-standing issues with stewarding consistency and accountability. By investing in structured training programs and creating a dedicated department, the FIA aims to standardize decision-making processes and reduce the likelihood of contentious calls that have marred recent seasons.

In addition to enhancing decision-making, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for aspiring motorsport officials. By establishing clear pathways for recruitment and career progression, the FIA hopes to attract a broader range of talent, ensuring the sport’s officiating standards evolve in line with its increasing global popularity and complexity.

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