Sky Sports' Brundle defends suspended Warwick 'to his last breath'

"Derek Warwick is one of the most genuine and passionate people and racers I have ever known. He is a salt of the earth genuine guy. He's done so much for young racers and motorsport in general. Not least as an FIA Steward. He has my absolute support and friendship until my last breath," said Brundle on X after the statement was released.

Brundle caused a stir on Friday after he said that Max Verstappen should have received an additional penalty point for his crash with Mercedes driver George Russell. This would have meant that Verstappen could not participate in the Canadian Grand Prix, as he would have reached the limit of 12 penalty points, which results in a mandatory race ban.

The Formula 1 governing body has made its decision: Derek Warwick is suspended for the Canadian Grand Prix. He spoke to a betting website prior to the race weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The FIA guideline is that discussions about the decisions made by the race direction should not occur, but the crash between George Russell and Max Verstappen was a talking point. Earlier this year, Johnny Herbert was also removed from his position. Will Buxton also reacted to the FIA's decision.

"Ex drivers are crucial to the stewarding process. Ex drivers will also always be asked for their opinions. It's when they give those to betting websites, while acting as part of the officiating process, that the lines get blurred. An unfortunately sticky situation," wrote Buxton on X about the situation around the FIA steward.