Herbert removed as FIA steward over media conflict

The FIA has confirmed that former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert will no longer serve as a steward at Grand Prix events.

The decision marks the end of Herbert’s role within the governing body, where he provided expert analysis and officiated on key racing incidents.

Herbert had been a part of the FIA’s stewarding pool for several years, offering his experience as a former professional racing driver to assist in incident assessments.

However, his continued "incompatible" involvement in media and punditry has ultimately led to his dismissal from his stewardship duties.

FIA’s Official Statement on Herbert’s Departure

The FIA released an official statement on Wednesday, explaining the reasoning behind the decision to part ways with Herbert. The statement reads:

“It is with regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward for the FIA.

“Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role.

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"However, after discussion, it was mutually agreed that his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible.

“We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Controversy and Media Involvement

Herbert’s role as an FIA steward came under increased scrutiny late in the 2024 season, particularly following several controversial decisions at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The Briton, as part of the stewarding panel, imposed two penalties on Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix. His subsequent public commentary on those decisions, in partnership with a betting company, drew significant attention.

Additionally, Herbert commented on Verstappen’s controversial clash with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi and the Dutch driver’s dispute with Mercedes’ George Russell before the season finale.

These remarks seemingly exacerbated concerns over potential conflicts of interest between his FIA duties and media obligations.

Calls for a Permanent Stewarding Panel Persist

The decision to remove Herbert from his stewarding role comes amid ongoing discussions about the consistency of F1 officiating.

Many drivers, including Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director George Russell, have advocated for a permanent panel of stewards to ensure greater uniformity in decision-making.

Currently, FIA stewards operate as unpaid volunteers, with their travel and expenses covered by the organization.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has maintained the long-held stance against introducing a fixed panel of permanent stewards, citing the challenges of funding and the lengthy training process required for such a transition.

While Herbert’s departure signals a shift in the FIA’s approach to stewarding and media involvement, the broader debate on officiating in Formula 1 remains an ongoing topic within the sport.

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