Petrov stands down as driver steward for Portuguese Grand Prix after personal bereavement

Vitaly Petrov has stood down from his role as a driver steward for the Portuguese Grand Prix weekend, because of a personal bereavement.

A statement from the FIA, issued after qualifying at Portimao, read: “Due to a personal bereavement, the Driver Steward for the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix, Vitaly Petrov, will not continue with his duties for the remainder of the weekend.

“The thoughts of the FIA are with Vitaly and his family at this time.”

Petrov, 36, is the first Russian to have competed in the Formula 1 World Championship and was called up as a steward ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix at Portimao.

FIA Formula E and FIA WTCR Safety Car driver Bruno Correia will take over stewarding duties for the race from Petrov this weekend.