Rob Smedley Proposed Augmented F1 Steward Group
The former engineer suggested a new team to manage in-race incidents and improve decision consistency.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Motorsports
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Former Ferrari and Williams engineer Rob Smedley has proposed the creation of an augmented steward group for Formula 1. This team would address race incidents in real time to reduce the reliance on post-race investigations.
Why it matters
The FIA currently faces criticism regarding decision inconsistency, as current stewards lack the capacity to process every incident during a race. An augmented group could streamline officiating by handling cases as they unfold.
The proposal addresses gaps in officiating, where current FIA stewards cannot manage the full volume of race incidents. This initiative aims to address criticism concerning decision inconsistency across different Grand Prix events.
The players
Rob Smedley
Rob Smedley is a former race engineer for Ferrari and Williams who spent years working in Formula 1.
FIA
The FIA is the governing body responsible for the regulation of Formula 1 and other international motorsport series.
The details
The proposed group would process live race incidents to mitigate the need for retroactive rulings, which often delay final results. While technical infringements like plank wear must still undergo physical measurements after a race, this group would focus on managing conduct and competition infractions.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Rob Smedley officially proposed the augmented steward group.
Season Trajectory
This proposal marks a shift in how the sport addresses the ongoing criticism regarding FIA stewarding decision inconsistency. By modifying the officiating structure, it seeks to modernize race management to better align with the high-stakes environment of current Formula 1 seasons.
The proposal could lead to faster race results by minimizing the number of post-race investigations initiated by the FIA. Fans and teams might see more definitive outcomes finalized immediately upon the conclusion of a Grand Prix.
The takeaway
This proposal highlights a growing industry focus on utilizing dedicated analytical teams to improve the speed and fairness of race adjudication. By separating in-race management from post-race technical checks, the FIA could improve the overall transparency of competitive results.
Further reading
For more on the current state of governing bodies and technical regulations, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motorsport Week.
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