Lewis Hamilton calls for more 'non-biased' stewards in Formula 1

Barcelona — Lewis Hamilton called for more "non-biased" officials in Formula 1 as McLaren's Lando Norris set the fastest time on the opening day of pre-season testing in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Ahead of the new 2022 season, Hamilton said some stewards are too close to certain drivers. He also said there should be more female officials on the circuit.

The seven-time world champion was dramatically pipped to the title by Max Verstappen in December, when Hamilton and Mercedes claimed Red Bull had influenced the decisions in a hugely controversial final race in Abu Dhabi.

Race director Michael Masi has since been removed, with the role now split into two.

Asked if the change would result in better decision-making, Hamilton said: "We need to make sure we have non-biased stewards too.

"Race drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals, some travel with some individuals, take a more keen liking to some.

"I think (F1 needs) people who have no biases, and are super central when it comes to making decisions."

F1 races usually have four stewards to help race control look at incidents on the track. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff backed away from Hamilton's accusations of bias.

"I think we need professionalism in the stewards' room," said Wolff. "I don't think there is a conscious bias to be honest. It's intelligent people."

Red Bull's Christian Horner said: "I would agree with Toto that I don't think there's an intended bias. I'm not aware of any stewards travelling with drivers to races."

Hamilton said there should also be more female stewards to boost diversity in the sport.

"It would be awesome to have a male and female as the two race directors," he said.

The 37-year-old was speaking on the first day of