JUST IN: F1 Driver Has Been Dismissed From His Role Due To a Conflict… Read more

Former F1 driver has been dismissed from his role as an FIA steward due to a conflict of Interest 

 

 

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has officially been removed from his role as an FIA driver steward after motorsport’s governing body concluded that his responsibilities as both an FIA official and a media pundit were no longer compatible. The decision marks a significant development ahead of the new Formula 1 season and has once again reignited debate over the balance between impartial officiating and public commentary.

 

Herbert, a three-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner and one of Britain’s best-known former racing drivers, had served as a rotating FIA steward for several years, helping oversee race incidents and applying the FIA Sporting Regulations during Grand Prix weekends. His experience as both a former driver and broadcaster made him a familiar figure in the Formula 1 paddock.

 

However, the FIA has now confirmed that Herbert will no longer officiate at any Formula 1 events after concluding that his media work created an unavoidable conflict of interest.

 

The announcement came just weeks before the opening race of the season, with Herbert having previously revealed that he was scheduled to serve as a steward at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Instead, the FIA confirmed that he would not be part of the stewarding panel for the event or any future races.

 

In an official statement, the FIA praised Herbert’s contribution while explaining why the change had become necessary.

 

“Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role,” the statement said. “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.”

 

The decision follows increased scrutiny over Herbert’s public comments regarding several controversial Formula 1 incidents, particularly those involving Red Bull star Max Verstappen.

 

One of the biggest talking points came after the Mexican Grand Prix, where Verstappen received a 20-second time penalty following incidents that divided opinion throughout the paddock. Herbert, speaking in his role as a television analyst after the race, openly criticized Verstappen’s aggressive driving style and defended the stewards’ decision.

 

Those remarks did not go unnoticed by the Verstappen camp.

 

Jos Verstappen, the father of the reigning world champion, publicly questioned whether someone acting as an FIA steward should also be offering personal opinions through the media.

 

“I think a steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all,” Jos Verstappen said, arguing that public criticism from an official could undermine confidence in the neutrality of race stewards.

 

Although the FIA did not specifically reference Verstappen or the Mexico controversy in its announcement, the timing has led many observers to conclude that the governing body wanted to eliminate any perception that stewards could be influenced by opinions expressed outside the race weekend.

 

Formula 1 stewards play a critical role in enforcing the sport’s regulations, reviewing incidents involving drivers, and determining whether penalties should be applied. Because their decisions can directly influence championship battles, maintaining public trust in their independence is considered essential.

 

Herbert’s dual role had increasingly attracted attention in recent seasons. As a television pundit, he regularly analyzed races, evaluated controversial incidents, and shared strong opinions on drivers’ performances. While such commentary is common for broadcasters, it became more difficult to separate those opinions from his responsibilities when serving as an FIA official.

 

The FIA’s decision is therefore seen by many as an effort to strengthen confidence in the stewarding process by ensuring that officials remain independent from public debate.

 

Despite his departure from the FIA, Herbert is expected to remain active within Formula 1 through his television and media work. His decades of experience as both a driver and analyst have made him one of the sport’s most recognizable voices, and he is likely to continue providing expert analysis throughout the season.

 

For the FIA, the decision also signals a broader commitment to protecting the integrity of race officiating. Formula 1 has faced increasing scrutiny over stewarding consistency in recent years, with teams, drivers, and fans frequently debating controversial rulings after major races.

 

By separating stewarding responsibilities from media commentary, the governing body hopes to avoid future questions about impartiality and ensure that race officials are judged solely on their decisions made during Grand Prix weekends.

 

As the new Formula 1 season approaches, attention will now turn to who will replace Herbert on the FIA’s rotating steward panel. While his experience and racing knowledge will undoubtedly be missed, the FIA believes the move is necessary to preserve confidence in one of the sport’s most important decision-making bodies.

 

Although Herbert’s tenure as an FIA steward has come to an end, his influence on Formula 1 is expected to continue through broadcasting, where he remains one of the championship’s most experienced and outspoken analysts.