Petrov stands down as driver steward for Portuguese Grand Prix

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

The governing body issued the announcement after the qualifying session for the Portuguese Grand Prix: "The FIA confirms that, 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."

It is understood that his father, Alexandr, was shot dead at his home in Vyborg, 80 miles north-west of St Petersburg.

Bruno Correia, Safety Car Driver in the FIA Formula E Championship and FIA WTCR will take over the position. Correia is a former Portuguese racing driver who raced in Formula Ford 1600 Portugal, Spanish Formula Renault Championship and in Brazilian Supertouring Championship.