Hakkinen calls for permanent F1 stewards after Canada

Mika Hakkinen has called for Formula 1 to introduce three permanent stewards to help with the regulating of racing, suggesting a driver could act as a fourth in an advisory role.

At the Canadian Grand Prix, the stewards of the race made the decision to hand Sebastian Vettel a five-second penalty for re-entering the track in an unsafe manner, as he almost shunted Lewis Hamilton into the wall. The penalty ultimately cost Vettel his first win of 2019 as he wasn't able to build enough of a gap to Hamilton. A very frustrated Vettel swapped the P1 and P2 signs around as he made his way to the podium presentation.

Hakkinen admitted that the sport could benefit from permanent stewards even suggesting drivers could fill the role.

"As a result, I think perhaps it is time for Formula 1 to consider the possibility of appointing three permanent Stewards, perhaps with a driver acting as a fourth Steward or advisor," Hakkinen said in his column for Uni Bet.

However, the Finn refused to criticise the stewards adding: "I am not questioning the ability of the Stewards in Canada, but the sport might benefit from having the same people to regulate each Grand Prix."