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Damon Hill Received "Hate Mails" after Schumacher's Monaco Penalty

Damon Hill is having second thoughts about the relevance of former drivers acting as FIA stewards at Formula 1 races. The 1996 F1 champion was himself a steward at the recent Monaco Grand Prix and declared he has been receiving “hate mails” in the past three days.

The reason for the unfriendly e-mails received by Hill and three regular stewards is the 20-second penalty they decided for Michael Schumacher. The German overtook Alonso on the last lap of the race after the safety-car had entered the pits, but according to the FIA, he wasn’t allowed to pass.

"I was uncomfortable being put in that position of being a full FIA representative. My expertise is as a driver rather than a lawmaker or interpreter of regulations," said Hill.

The Briton said it didn’t feel right to judge an incident in which his old rival Michael Schumacher was involved. "Partly my discomfort was because I was called on to make a ruling on an incident involving Michael. I know most people will believe me when I say I acted entirely properly and correctly, but perhaps it might be more appropriate for drivers to act as consultants to the stewards rather than as stewards," Hill added.

FIA’s new president Jean Todt implemented in 2010 a project which made it possible for former F1 drivers to act as stewards. So far, Alain Prost, Alex Wurz, Derek Warwick and Johnny Herbert all played the steward’s role.

Hill admitted his former title rival Schumacher had a "wry smile" when he saw Hill in the stewards’ room after the Monaco incident. But the German said he believed Hill had acted appropriately. "I know Damon. He is a good guy," said Schumacher.
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