FIA Deploys Independent Steward at F1 Finale to Guard Fernando Alonso

On October 11, the FIA appoints an independent steward for the Brazilian Grand Prix to protect fairness around Fernando Alonso amid McLaren tensions with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.

The move follows a season of escalating intra-team rivalry at McLaren, with Alonso questioning parity as Hamilton’s form surges and pressure intensifies heading into the title decider.

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Tensions peak after the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying flashpoint, when Alonso delays Hamilton in the pitlane. The season also features the espionage case, bringing McLaren’s $100m fine and constructors’ exclusion.

Carlos Garcia of Spain’s federation says, after meeting Max Mosley on October 3, that the FIA will place a steward in Brazil to ensure nothing untoward happens to Alonso.

The steward’s brief centres on impartial oversight during qualifying, where procedures and tyre pressures draw scrutiny, and strategy calls appear to tilt between McLaren’s two title contenders.

Hamilton arrives in Brazil with a four-point lead over Alonso. Raikkonen sits seven points behind Hamilton, keeping Ferrari in outside contention should McLaren stumble.

That margin shrinks after Hamilton’s Shanghai exit, sliding into the gravel on worn intermediates. The mishap converts McLaren’s duel into a three-way shootout with Raikkonen.

Alonso’s frustration is evident, yet Ron Dennis insists McLaren treats both drivers equally. He frames the priority as securing the drivers’ title through transparent, symmetric operations.

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The FIA intervention signals concern that internal conflict can warp sporting integrity. It also serves as a deterrent to any perceived favouritism or obstruction influencing the title outcome.

Garcia urges calm and common sense as McLaren faces Ferrari’s pressure. The steward’s presence aims to stabilise procedures and reassure Alonso’s camp during critical qualifying phases.

Posting an independent official inside the garage remains a rare step. It reflects the strained teammate relationship and the lengths required to uphold neutrality at the championship decider.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.