What Derek Warwick Said That Got Him Suspended by the FIA?

Derek Warwick Suspended by FIA Over Unauthorised Media Comments

Derek Warwick’s name carries considerable weight in the motorsport world. Born in Alresford, Hampshire, in 1954, the Brit made his Formula One debut in 1981 with Toleman.¹

His F1 career spanned over a decade, seeing him drive for a host of iconic teams including Renault, Brabham, Lotus, and Arrows.

Although he never managed a Grand Prix victory, Warwick earned a reputation as a gritty and resilient competitor, often outperforming his machinery and racing wheel-to-wheel with legends like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

After retiring from F1, Warwick transitioned successfully into sportscar racing. His greatest triumph came in 1992 when he won his class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans — one of motorsport’s crown jewels.

That victory solidified his status as one of the sport’s versatile all-rounders.

ThNk you guys, you really were magnificent 👍 https://t.co/ygeAsAt76m

— Derek Warwick (@derekwarwick) September 20, 2022

Transition from Driver to Steward

Post-retirement, Warwick remained deeply embedded in the racing ecosystem. He served as President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) from 2011 to 2017, succeeding 1996 World Champion Damon Hill.

The BRDC oversees Silverstone Circuit, the home of the British Grand Prix, and Warwick’s leadership during that time was widely respected.

In recent years, Warwick took on the role of FIA race steward, becoming a familiar face in the paddock during Grand Prix weekends. As a steward, he held the crucial responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the sport’s complex rulebook.

He has been involved in several key decisions, notably including the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which led to a seismic shift in how the sport approaches safety car procedures and championship-deciding moments.

The Incident: Unauthorised Comments to Betting Platform

Trouble began when Warwick offered personal opinions during an interview with a betting platform — a move explicitly discouraged by the FIA for its race officials.

In the interview, Warwick made remarks about two highly sensitive topics: Lewis Hamilton’s difficult start at Ferrari in 2025, and Max Verstappen’s recent time penalty in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The FIA enforces strict impartiality among its stewards, given their role in administering penalties and decisions that can influence the outcomes of races — and, by extension, championship standings.

Making any sort of prediction or expressing bias, especially in a public forum tied to betting, can be seen as compromising that neutrality.

Derek Warwick: FIA Responds with a Suspension

Following internal discussions, the FIA released a statement confirming Warwick’s suspension from his duties at the upcoming 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.²

The statement read:

“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 governing body’s response was swift and clear. Although Warwick will be reinstated in time for the Austrian GP, the temporary suspension serves as a stern reminder to all FIA officials about the boundaries of public commentary, particularly when it pertains to ongoing or recent racing incidents.

Context: Why These Comments Matter

To understand why the FIA acted decisively, it’s important to look at the broader context:

• Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Move: In 2025, Hamilton made a historic switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. The move has attracted intense scrutiny, and any commentary — especially from an FIA steward — about his performance could fuel unnecessary controversy or appear as favoritism or criticism with regulatory implications.

• Max Verstappen’s Penalty in Spain: Verstappen was handed a penalty during the Spanish Grand Prix that had implications for his race result and the championship battle. For a steward to publicly comment on such an active and disputed topic potentially undermines the integrity of the decision-making process.

The fact that these comments were given to a betting outlet further exacerbated the issue, given the growing concerns about integrity in sport amid the rising influence of gambling sponsorships and platforms.

Industry Reaction and Public Opinion

The motorsport world has been divided in its reaction to Warwick’s suspension. Some have defended the 70-year-old, citing his decades of experience and service to the sport.

They argue that his comments, while unwise, were more analytical than judgmental and didn’t explicitly violate FIA regulations.

Others, however, support the FIA’s hardline stance, warning that any hint of bias or conflict of interest — especially in such a scrutinized sport — can erode public trust.

In a time where even minor stewarding decisions can decide world championships, absolute neutrality is paramount.

Motorsport fans on social media have also weighed in, with some questioning whether the FIA overreacted, while others praised the governing body for upholding standards.

Derek Warwick’s Response and Apology

According to the FIA’s statement, Warwick quickly acknowledged the misstep and issued an apology.³

While he has not released a personal statement as of yet, his acceptance of the suspension and cooperation with the FIA’s investigation have helped de-escalate the situation.

This isn’t the first time a race steward has landed in trouble for speaking to the media, but the fact that it involved someone as experienced and respected as Warwick is a wake-up call across the paddock.

In a sport as high-stakes as Formula One, the integrity of its officials is non-negotiable. Race stewards — often a mix of former drivers, engineers, and FIA officials — are expected to act with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Integrity in Racing: A Delicate Balance

Their rulings affect hundreds of millions of dollars, global reputations, and the outcomes of fiercely contested championships.

The rise of gambling in sports, while a significant source of revenue, also brings new ethical challenges.

Regulators and sports bodies alike are under pressure to ensure that no interaction between officials and betting entities blurs the lines of fairness.

Derek Warwick will return to his role as steward for the Austrian Grand Prix. Given his deep experience and willingness to accept responsibility, it’s unlikely this incident will permanently damage his standing within the FIA — but it does mark a cautionary tale for other officials.

The FIA may use this incident to revisit and strengthen its communication guidelines for stewards, ensuring that similar controversies can be avoided in the future.

Derek Warwick’s Sentiments: Respect and Realism

Derek Warwick, a respected figure within Formula 1 both as a former driver and race steward, acknowledged Hamilton’s stature in the sport.

Speaking to PlanetF1, Warwick made it clear that he believes Hamilton “deserves” an eighth championship—something no driver in F1 history has ever achieved.

However, Warwick did not sugarcoat his belief that such a feat is unlikely to happen in the 2025 season.

“Do I want Lewis to win races and challenge for the World Championship? Yes. I think he deserves it. I think he deserves that eighth world title. It’s not going to happen this year.”

Warwick’s perspective resonates with many who admire Hamilton’s talent and longevity but are concerned by the limitations he’s faced with the current generation of machinery and team dynamics.

The Mercedes Decline and Ferrari Hopes

Hamilton’s recent struggles have been closely linked to the performance drop experienced by Mercedes in the post-2021 regulatory era. Since the introduction of the ground-effect era in 2022, Mercedes has failed to deliver a consistently competitive car.

For Hamilton, this meant fighting in the midfield more often than not, an unfamiliar and frustrating reality for someone used to running at the front.

While his upcoming move to Ferrari in 2025 has stirred excitement, Warwick suggested that this change may not necessarily bring immediate relief or results.

“If it carries on the way it is at the minute, I suspect he’s already thinking of stopping.”

Warwick’s speculation about Hamilton contemplating retirement underscores the emotional and mental toll of no longer being in contention regularly. It raises a valid question—how long can a legendary athlete continue without the performance to match their ambition?

Derek Warwick: FIA Steward Controversy

A New Layer of Drama

Interestingly, Derek Warwick’s comments come at a time when the role of FIA stewards is under scrutiny.

Warwick himself is the second high-profile steward to face criticism for public remarks, following the departure of Johnny Herbert at the end of the 2024 season due to similar commentary.

While there’s no indication Warwick will face similar consequences, the trend suggests that the FIA is keeping a tighter rein on public narratives, especially those involving top-tier drivers like Hamilton.

This adds an intriguing layer: insiders like Warwick walk a fine line between personal opinion and institutional responsibility. His willingness to speak candidly, knowing the potential fallout, gives weight to his assessment.

Ferrari’s Challenge: Building a Championship-Winning Machine

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is rooted in the hope that the Italian outfit can build a title-contending car in 2025 or shortly thereafter. But Ferrari’s track record in the hybrid and ground-effect eras hasn’t inspired much confidence.

Warwick’s skepticism appears warranted, considering Ferrari’s inconsistencies in strategy, development, and reliability.

Even with two world-class drivers in Leclerc and Hamilton, Ferrari must deliver on every front to truly challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

For now, Warwick seems doubtful.

Time Is Running Out

Hamilton will turn 40 in January 2025. While fitness and performance longevity in F1 have improved dramatically in recent years—see Fernando Alonso racing at 43—the window for securing another world title is undeniably closing.

Even if Ferrari were to build a competitive car, Hamilton would still need to fend off the likes of Verstappen, Lando Norris, and perhaps even his new teammate Leclerc in peak form.

It’s a tall order, and one that Warwick subtly implies may not be worth the fight unless immediate progress is visible.

Fan Sentiment and Public Support

Despite the setbacks, public support for Hamilton remains strong. Social media frequently erupts with admiration for his performances and frustration at Mercedes’ inability to deliver a car worthy of his skill.

Warwick’s recognition of this sentiment—acknowledging that Hamilton “deserves” an eighth title—is a nod to the collective yearning of fans who feel that fate denied him in 2021 and that redemption is still possible.

But as Warwick points out, sentiment and reality often diverge in motorsport.