Hamilton calls for 'non-biased stewards' in F1

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Lewis Hamilton wants to see unbiased stewards officiating on race weekends in F1, suggesting some individuals "take more of a keen liking" to some drivers.

Stewarding in F1 has been the subject of a lot of criticism in the past few seasons, with drivers taking aim at the lack of consistency in terms of calls and sanctions that has often been the case in the past.

As part of the FIA's efforts to restructure F1's race control following last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy, the governing body will introduce a Virtual Race Control Room similar to football's VAR technology to assist the stewards working on site on race weekend.

Furthermore, race direction will be handled alternately by two FIA officials, Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, who will supported and advised by veteran F1 Herbie Blash.

But Hamilton insists that compelling decisions in the officials' office depend first and foremost unbiased and impartial stewards.

"We need to make sure we get non-biased stewards," Hamilton told the media in Barcelona on Wednesday.

"Racing drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals. Some travel with certain individuals and tend to take more of a keen liking to some of them.

"I just think [we need] people who have no bias and are super central when it comes to making decisions."

Read also: Hamilton hopes 'everyone will get to see' FIA report

But in addition to calling for equitable and neutral race governance, Hamilton would also welcome more diversity in F1's race control operations, and specifically a female presence.

"I want to see more women in the stewards' room," he commented. "I think we don't have any, I think maybe last year [there] was one or two.

"And I think it would be awesome for them to have a male and female as the two race directors.

"I think that’s a great way of promoting diversity too."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.