Ben Sulayem praises Herbert but 'conflict of interest' unacceptable

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has addressed Johnny Herbert’s recent dismissal as an F1 steward by the governing body.

Speaking in Spain last Friday, at the Summit of Sporting Stewards held at Jarama, Ben Sulayem clarified that Herbert’s extensive media commitments were incompatible with the impartiality required of an FIA steward.

As a result, Herbert, who was initially expected to officiate at the season opener in Australia, has not been retained by the FIA for the 2024 F1 season.

Herbert’s Stance and Gratitude

Before stepping down from his role as an F1 steward and embarking on his new venture as Lola’s ambassador in Formula E, Johnny Herbert conveyed his appreciation for his time within the FIA.

His words, delivered prior to his departure, highlight his respect for the demanding nature of the steward's role and his commitment to fairness.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity of being an FIA Driver Steward, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I have been involved in over the years.

“It is a difficult job and there are tough decisions that have to be made.”

He further emphasized the core principles guiding steward decisions.

“As Stewards, we have and will continue to treat both drivers and team personnel with the utmost respect and remain impartial at all times during all Grand Prix weekends.”

Ben Sulayem’s Stance on Conflict of Interest

Addressing reporters in Spain, Ben Sulayem elaborated on the rationale behind Herbert's departure, focusing squarely on the conflict created by his media engagements.

The FIA President made it unequivocally clear that blending roles as a media personality and a regulatory official was untenable for the sport’s governing body.

“Johnny was a very good commissioner, but then there was a conflict of interest, and he knows it,” Ben Sulayem stated, emphasizing that the issue was clearly understood and acknowledged by Herbert himself.

The crux of the problem, according to Ben Sulayem, lay in the inherent tension between expressing personal opinions in the media and maintaining impartiality as a steward.

“You can’t be a journalist in a big company and express your point of view, and then act as a commissioner, which is a referee. You say, you know: my best scenario is that so-and-so wins.”

Ben Sulayem highlighted the potential for perceived bias in race decisions, particularly in critical moments.

“What happens if that driver you prefer has another driver in first or second place? How do you make your judgement?” he questioned, underscoring the inherent doubt that such a dual role could cast on steward decisions.

Despite the firm stance on the conflict of interest, Ben Sulayem concluded on a positive note, emphasizing the amicable nature of Herbert's exit.

“Well, I mean, the exit was… he understood it and thanked the FIA (for the opportunity), and we thanked him for what he did.”

Herbert’s departure underscores the FIA’s commitment to maintaining clear boundaries between media and officiating roles within Formula 1, ensuring its stewards operate without external influences.

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