Formula 1’s stewarding system has come under intense scrutiny, with reigning champion Max Verstappen voicing dissatisfaction over perceived inconsistencies and unfair penalties. Now, Eddie Jordan, a seasoned figure in the sport, has called for a radical overhaul to restore fairness and transparency to the racing world. On the Formula for Success podcast, the outspoken former team boss criticized the current stewarding structure and proposed a professionalized, legally backed system as the solution.
Jordan’s critique centers on the current model, which relies on unpaid stewards whose expenses are covered but receive no compensation for their expertise or time. He argues that this approach is outdated for a sport as prestigious and financially robust as Formula 1. By comparing it to football’s often-criticized VAR system, Jordan highlighted the flaws that undermine the integrity of decisions on the track. “When you have the level of expenditure and outlay of hard cash in such a prestigious sport, the system needs to be beyond reproach,” Jordan stated.
Max Verstappen’s frustrations, particularly over penalties he considers inconsistent, exemplify the growing tension between drivers and stewards. Jordan sympathized, pointing out how these decisions disrupt the flow of races and create unnecessary friction. “These penalties are blocks. It’s nonsense. You’re watching a great battle, and the next thing you see is a five-second penalty flashing on the screen. It’s goddamn boring,” Jordan exclaimed.
To address this, Jordan proposed three key changes:
Professionalize the Role of Stewards: Turning stewarding into a paid position would attract highly skilled individuals. Jordan emphasized the importance of bringing in legal experts to ensure fair and consistent rulings. “We need fairness, and we need professionals who are skilled at interpreting complex regulations,” he noted.
Increase Driver Involvement: Jordan suggested fostering greater communication between drivers and stewards through regular meetings. This would build trust and allow drivers to voice concerns directly, making the decision-making process more transparent and collaborative.
Consistency Through Dedicated Teams: Having the same team of stewards across races would help eliminate bias and ensure consistency in penalties. Drivers would feel more confident in the fairness of rulings, reducing frustration and confusion.
For Jordan, the stakes extend beyond individual grievances. He views the current stewarding system as a reputational risk for Formula 1, diminishing its status as a professional and world-class sport. By looking to other major sports, where officials are full-time professionals with specialized training, Jordan believes Formula 1 could elevate its standards.
“Right now, the system we have is not good enough for Formula 1. It’s time to raise the bar and treat the sport with the respect it deserves,” he declared.
Verstappen, known for his directness, has been one of the loudest critics of the stewarding system. His complaints reflect a broader concern within the paddock about the consistency of penalties. Jordan’s proposals aim to address these issues head-on, restoring fairness and reducing the controversies that have plagued the sport in recent years.
While Jordan’s ideas are bold, they also represent a significant cultural shift for Formula 1. Professionalized stewarding, legal expertise, and increased driver involvement could bring much-needed consistency, but they might also challenge the dynamic nature that fans cherish. The debate over stewarding reform highlights the tension between tradition and progress in Formula 1, with stakeholders divided on the best path forward.
Ultimately, Jordan’s fiery comments underscore the urgency of addressing Formula 1’s stewarding crisis. With drivers like Verstappen openly voicing their frustrations, the sport faces mounting pressure to act. Whether Jordan’s vision becomes a reality remains uncertain, but his call for change has ignited a crucial conversation about the future of stewarding in Formula 1.
