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explainer season 12

How Stewarding decisions are made in Formula E

Explainer 09 Mar 2026 2 Mins

Stewards play a critical role in ensuring that a Formula E race weekend runs smoothly, but how does the process work when an incident occurs?

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explainer season 12

In the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, maintaining fairness and sporting integrity in the midst of high-intensity, high-stakes racing action requires a rigorous and transparent process for evaluating incidents.

EXPLAINED: Formula E's rules and regulations for Season 12

Incidents are identified by FIA race officials, who are present at every E-Prix. It is their job to ensure that all drivers and team personnel are following the rules and regulations outlined by the FIA and Formula E. These individuals include:

The Race Director
The Technical Delegate
The Sporting Delegate

After the incident has been identified, if it is deemed to warrant further investigation, responsibility is passed to the Stewards Panel to review the incident in greater detail.

The majority of the panel is appointed by the FIA, with the exception of the National Steward, who is ASN affiliated. An ASN (Autorité Sportive Nationale or National Sporting Authority) is a national body recognised by the FIA as the sole holder of governing power over motorsport in their respective country.

The Stewards panel consists of:

The Chair of the Panel (appointed by the FIA)
An International Steward (appointed by the FIA)
A National Steward (ASN affiliated)
A Driver Advisor (appointed by the FIA)

These four individuals work independently to review each case through analysing all available evidence, including video footage, car data and reports.

The review process is guided by the Drivers’ Standards Guidelines, which defines what constitutes acceptable on-track behaviour. Meanwhile, the Penalty Guidelines help ensure consistency in the decision-making process.

If an on track incident is considered straightforward (thanks to the information and evidence available), a decision can be made during the race or session, without the need for a hearing. A hearing is held only when the situation requires further discussion, featuring the drivers’ involved, this most often happens for incidents involving contact between cars.

Based on the review, the Stewards Panel reaches a decision, and if applicable, issues a penalty. A final decision is issued in accordance with the applicable regulations, ensuring fairness, consistency, and sporting integrity in Formula E.