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Petrov steps down as FIA steward after shooting death of his father

Photo: © LAT Images
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Petrov steps down as FIA steward after shooting death of his father

The Russian was officiating at his first grand prix

Vitaly Petrov has been forced to step down as a steward for this weekend's Portuguese Grand Prix following the death of his father.

Reports from Russia, via the respected RIA network, claim Alexander Petrov, who served as deputy leader of Vyborg City Council and was a renowned businessman, was shot at his home in the Leningrad region.

Former F1 driver Vitaly was for the first time this week serving as part of the four-man panel overseeing the Portuguese GP on its maiden visit to the Algarve International Circuit at Portimão.

Petrov's appointment had caused controversy due to previously contentious remarks he had made towards Lewis Hamilton and his support of the 'Black Lives Matter' campaign.

The 36-year-old had also queried the FIA's pre-race anti-racism protest, and whether it would do likewise in support of the gay movement should a driver opt to support it.

The FIA, however, declared its full support of Petrov in serving as a steward, with his position for the race now taken up by Formula E safety car driver Bruno Correia.

Via a statement, the FIA said: “The thoughts of the FIA are with Vitaly and his family at this time."

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