Stewards

Stewards are the official judges of a motorsport event who enforce rules, investigate incidents, and decide penalties to ensure fair and safe racing.

Think of stewards as the referees in a football game, but for car racing. Just like referees watch for fouls and make calls during a match, stewards monitor racing events to catch rule violations and maintain order on the track.

A typical stewards panel includes three to four experienced individuals with deep motorsport knowledge. These might be former racing drivers, team managers, technical experts, or legal professionals. The governing body of the sport, such as the FIA in Formula 1, carefully selects these officials for their expertise and impartiality.

When incidents happen during a race - like cars colliding, drivers cutting corners, or teams breaking technical rules - the stewards spring into action. They review video footage, examine data from the cars, and sometimes interview drivers or team members to understand exactly what occurred.

Based on their investigation, stewards can issue various penalties. Minor infractions might result in warnings or small fines, while serious violations could lead to time penalties added to a driver's race time, starting penalties for the next race, or even disqualification from the event entirely.

The stewards' room is where all the important decisions happen. Teams can appeal penalties here, and stewards must explain their reasoning for each decision. This process ensures transparency and fairness in the sport.

Safety is always the stewards' top priority. They work closely with race control and track officials to address any dangerous situations quickly. If conditions become too hazardous, stewards have the authority to stop or delay races.

While stewards aim to let drivers race hard and fairly, they must balance exciting competition with safety and rule enforcement. Their decisions can dramatically change race results, making them some of the most influential people at any motorsport event.