Formula 1 stewards operate in the background of every Grand Prix, but their influence on the outcome of a race is undeniable. From assessing collisions to interpreting complex regulations, these officials help ensure the sport is fair, safe, and consistent.
But becoming an F1 steward isn’t as simple as applying for a job. It requires years of experience, a deep understanding of motorsport, and in many cases, a proven track record in race control or professional racing.
If you're wondering what it takes to step into this highly specialized role, here’s how the path to becoming a Formula 1 steward typically works.
Before getting into the process, it's important to understand the scope of the position. F1 stewards are responsible for reviewing on-track incidents, applying penalties when necessary, and upholding the FIA Sporting and Technical Regulations during race weekends.
Unlike the Race Director — who handles the flow and safety of the event — stewards function as independent adjudicators. They assess whether rules were broken, determine fault in racing incidents, and decide how (or if) to penalize drivers or teams.
Each Grand Prix has a panel of three to four stewards, and at least one of them is typically a former racing driver. The combination of legal, technical, and racing knowledge is essential.
The road to F1 usually begins at the grassroots level. Most stewards come from a background in national motorsport governance, where they gain hands-on experience officiating local and regional races. This allows them to build a foundation in:
Working your way up through a national motorsport body — such as the UK's Motorsport UK or the U.S.'s SCCA — is often the first major step. These organizations provide licensing, training, and opportunities to serve as a steward or clerk of the course at amateur and semi-professional events.
Once a steward gains significant experience at the national level, the next phase is involvement with the FIA, Formula 1’s global governing body.
The FIA organizes and manages the stewarding process for all Formula 1 races. Those who have proven themselves in lower-tier championships — such as Formula 2, Formula 3, or other FIA-sanctioned series — may be invited to participate in higher-level officiating roles.
At this point, the steward must not only be familiar with FIA regulations but also understand how to apply them consistently across different circuits, countries, and race formats.
In every F1 race, one steward is a former professional driver — often someone with firsthand experience in Formula 1 or another elite racing series. This isn’t just symbolic. Driver stewards provide insight into racing intent, spatial awareness, and whether certain maneuvers fall within the bounds of hard but fair racing.
Becoming a driver steward typically requires a decorated racing career and a strong relationship with the FIA. While it’s not a path open to most, it underscores the importance of lived racing experience at the highest level.
F1 steward panels are rotated race by race, which helps preserve neutrality and prevent bias. There is no permanent steward team in Formula 1. Instead, stewards are selected from an established pool of qualified officials.
Those chosen for F1 duties often have decades of experience, both in stewarding and motorsport as a whole. Reliability, impartiality, and a history of sound judgment are key traits the FIA looks for when making selections.
For most, serving as an F1 steward is not a full-time role. Many stewards maintain parallel careers in motorsport administration, engineering, or race officiating in other series. It’s a highly respected but specialized duty — one that only a select few are called on to perform at the pinnacle of motorsport.
In summary: Becoming a Formula 1 steward is the result of years — sometimes decades — of experience in motorsport governance, officiating, or racing. It requires technical knowledge, legal insight, and a steady hand under pressure. While the role may not be visible to most fans, the path to reaching it is long, challenging, and reserved for the most trusted figures in the sport.
