F1 world champion Damon Hill says he is no longer sure former drivers should be acting as FIA stewards at grands prix.
The 1996 world champion was on the stewards' panel at the Monaco Grand Prix, and as part of his duties he had to make a call on Michael Schumacher's late-race dive inside Fernando Alonso when the safety car peeled in.
Hill says he has subsequently been receiving hate mail, after the stewards decided to hand Schumacher a 20-second penalty.
"I was uncomfortable being put in that position of being a full FIA representative. My expertise is as a driver rather than a law maker or interpreter of regulations," said Hill.
"Partly my discomfort was because I was called on to make a ruling on an incident involving Michael.
"I know most people will believe me when I say I acted entirely properly and correctly, but perhaps it might be more appropriate for drivers to act as consultants to the stewards rather than as stewards."
Other drivers to have served as stewards this season include Alain Prost, Alex Wurz, Derek Warwick and Johnny Herbert.
For his part, Schumacher has said he believes Hill acted correctly.
"I know Damon. He is a good guy," said Schumacher.
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Re: Hill questions ex-F1 drivers' role
This whole incident is a load of c*** and bull anyhow. Schumacher is a racer after all and saw an opportunity which he acted upon in a split second. The penalty was far too harsh at worst they should have just disallowed the move and bumped him back to 7th place. But he doesn't drive for Ferrari anymore and dared to pass someone who is.
And as for people sending hate mail to Damon Hill - get a b**** life and grow up you petty small minded bunch of morons; anyone would think it's a football match!
Re: Hill questions ex-F1 drivers' role
Hil is one my all time favorites. I know he is not the best out there, but there was this intelligent dignity to him and an intensity. I cheered harder when he won the championship than I have done for any subsequent driver.
Re: Hill questions ex-F1 drivers' role