FIA suspends key figure ahead of Canadian Grand Prix after 'unauthorised comments' made on Max Verstappen and George Russell

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has suspended a key figure ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

After a short break following the Spanish Grand Prix, F1 returned this weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada.

The likes of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will head into the race as the favourites to win due to McLaren's current dominance.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, George Russell and Charles Leclerc will hope to cause an upset.

Ahead of the race, the FIA has announced that race steward Derek Warwick has been suspended.

As reported by the BBC, Warwick has been removed from his role as steward this weekend 'following recent unauthorised media comments'.

It has been claimed that Warwick was quoted saying that the 10-penalty handed to Verstappen over his collision with Russell in Barcelona was 'right'.

On a gambling website, Warwick said: "Should he have done what he did, in Turn Five with George Russell? Absolutely not. Did he get a penalty for that? Yes.

"It seems to me that, although he dove in, he then did turn away from George, but momentum pushed him against George. It is absolutely wrong and the FIA was right to give him a penalty."

Warwick will reportedly be replaced by Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi, who will be 'officiating from the remote operations centre in Geneva for the remainder of the event'.

A statement from the FIA read: "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."

Derek Warwick has been suspended by the FIA. Image: Getty

In response, former F1 driver and current Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle wrote on social media: "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."