Martin Brundle reacts as FIA confirms Derek Warwick's axing for Canada GP - Daily Star

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Martin Brundle has rallied behind Derek Warwick after the ex-F1 ace was controversially given the boot as steward for this weekend's Canadian GP. The 70 year old racing veteran was set to be on duty in Montreal but has been put on ice by the FIA.

Warwick found himself in hot water following quotes linked to him that a betting company spread before the Grand Prix. Several websites have since run with the interview, which included remarks about various current drivers.

"Following recent unauthorised media comments, the FIA has taken the decision to suspend Derek Warwick from his duties as driver steward for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix," an FIA statement confirmed.

"He will be replaced by Enrique Bernoldi, who will be officiating from the Remote Operations Centre in Geneva for the remainder of the event.

"After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised. Derek will resume his duties as a steward in the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix.", reports the Mirror.

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Post-announcement, Sky Sports legend Brundle has stood up for his mate Warwick, insisting he's still got his full backing.

He took to social media to say: "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."

Warwick becomes the second high-profile steward to get the boot this season, following Jonny Herbert's exit over alleged media comments conflict. Like Warwick, the choice to dump Herbert came down to suggested conflicts arising from his words in the press.

Meanwhile, on the circuit, George Russell wowed with top-notch speed, nailing the fastest lap in Friday's practice two. The Brit ace, who snagged pole at Canada last go-around, hinted at a repeat by just nudging out Lando Norris and Kimi Anotinelli, snagging second and third fastest spots.

However, Russell got hauled up before stewards for not taking the proper detour at turn 14 but copped a mere warning instead of any weekend-ruining penalties.

The session wasn't all smooth driving - Lance Stroll rammed into a wall big time and Ferrari's Charles LeClerc had a right smashing accident in practice one. It trashed the wheels on the left of his motor and a fair bit of the casing too.

To make matters worse for the Scuderia crew, they found the chassis had taken a knock, so it was the spare one or nothing if Leclerc fancied hitting the track in the day's second session.

But tough luck for Leclerc, who had to sit out nearly all of Friday's action. Team boss Frederic Vasseur dropped the bomb in a media briefing held amidst the practice runs, stating it was all down to sticking to the rulebook.

Vasseur dished the dirt: "When I left the garage, we think that we damaged the chassis and we won't be able to do FP2, by regulation. We need to do some checks, but I think it's over for today for Charles."