Johnny Herbert Exits FIA Steward Role Amid Controversy
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has been dismissed from his FIA steward position, citing a conflict of interest with his media engagements.
Johnny Herbert Exits FIA Steward Role Amid Controversy
Johnny Herbert, the former Formula 1 grand prix driver, has officially been dropped from his role as a steward by the FIA, sparking discussions regarding the integrity of stewardship in the motorsport's elite ranks.
The FIA communicated that Herbert's dual responsibilities as an FIA steward and a media pundit were deemed incompatible. They stated, "This decision was made with regret; Johnny is a three-time race winner and has always been respected for his expertise and experience."
Despite the positive sentiments, the FIA's decision reflects growing unease surrounding conflicts of interest between steward duties and media commentary. Concerns intensified after Herbert made public comments about racing decisions he helped enforce while serving as a steward. He was notably involved in high-profile controversies, including a notable clash with Max Verstappen's father after the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Verstappen received penalties for his conduct during the race.
In response to the allegations of potential British bias, Herbert dismissed the claims as "ridiculous". He also characterized Verstappen as a thoughtful competitor, emphasizing his willingness to engage in discussions about racing incidents. However, Herbert remained firm on his stance concerning Verstappen's aggressive approach during the race, describing it as "over the top" and a product of an unhealthy mindset aimed at outmaneuvering competitors by off-track tactics.
Herbert is not the first experienced steward to be let go, following American Tim Mayer's dismissal shortly before last year's Sao Paulo Grand Prix under contentious circumstances. This trend has stirred concerns regarding the governance and operational transparency of the FIA, especially as it has seen several senior officials leave in recent months.
In the wake of this latest development, discussions about the FIA's stewardship policy and the balance between commentary and governance in Formula 1 are poised to intensify, especially with recent changes allowing stricter penalties for drivers' public criticism of FIA officials.
The situation leaves many wondering about the future dynamics of stewarding in Formula 1 and how it will impact race integrity moving forward.
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