FIA Sent Independent Steward to 2007 F1 Finale to Protect Fernando Alonso

In a truly unprecedented move, the FIA dispatched an independent steward to the 2007 Formula 1 season finale in Brazil. This extraordinary measure, revealed in October of that year, was enacted to ensure Fernando Alonso was not unfairly disadvantaged in his fierce championship battle against then-rookie McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen. The highly fractured relationship within McLaren had reached a critical point, necessitating external oversight to guarantee fairness.

Why it matters:

• The FIA's intervention highlighted the extreme levels of internal conflict and paranoia within McLaren during the 2007 season, a situation rarely seen in F1's modern era.
• This unprecedented step underscored the severity of Alonso's concerns regarding his treatment, suggesting a belief that he might be sabotaged or disadvantaged in crucial moments, particularly qualifying.
• The independent steward aimed to ensure a level playing field, directly impacting the championship's integrity and potentially preventing internal team politics from deciding the title.

The Details:

• Formal Intervention: Carlos Garcia, head of the Spanish motorsport federation, confirmed the FIA's decision after a meeting with then-FIA president Max Mosley on October 3, just weeks before the Brazilian Grand Prix.
• Specific Concerns: Garcia explicitly stated the steward's role was to ensure "nothing wrong happens to Fernando, especially in qualifying, which is where there have been more complaints or strange situations in the last few grands prix."
• Championship Stakes: Heading into the finale, Hamilton held a slim four-point lead over Alonso, with Räikkönen a further three points behind, making it a tense three-way title decider.
• Catalyst for Mistrust: Alonso's suspicions intensified after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he deliberately impeded Hamilton in qualifying, leading to a $100 million fine for McLaren and their exclusion from the Constructors' Championship.
• McLaren's Public Stance: Despite the escalating internal tensions, McLaren boss Ron Dennis publicly maintained that both drivers received "complete equality" in treatment, a claim often contradicted by Alonso's growing assertions.
• Qualifying Anomalies: Alonso's camp, and the Spanish federation, had voiced specific concerns about his qualifying performance, including speculation about incorrect tire pressures during the Chinese Grand Prix where he lost time to Hamilton.

The Big Picture:

The 2007 season was a powder keg, with the rivalry between Alonso and Hamilton spilling over into accusations of favoritism and potential sabotage. The FIA's decision to send an independent steward was a direct response to this toxic environment, reflecting a desire to protect the championship's sporting integrity above all else. McLaren's internal strife was so severe that it threatened to hand the championship to Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen, who was a dark horse in the title fight.

What's next:

The presence of an independent steward was a clear warning to McLaren that any perceived unfairness would be scrutinized. While Ron Dennis publicly affirmed fair play, the underlying tension and the FIA's oversight meant that every decision, especially in qualifying and race strategy, would be under intense observation. Ultimately, the championship was decided on track, with Räikkönen dramatically clinching the title, highlighting the unpredictable nature of that turbulent season and the impact of McLaren's internal battles.