F1 News
FIA backs decision to drop Johnny Herbert as F1 steward: 'He understood'
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to Johnny Herbert's departure as a steward, citing a clear conflict of interest as the reason behind the decision. The FIA president emphasised the importance of maintaining impartiality within the governing body and explained that Herbert's involvement in both the stewards' panel and as a media personality created a situation that was difficult to navigate.
Herbert's departure was inevitable, according to the FIA president
Ben Sulayem stressed that Herbert's duties as steward were incompatible with his duties as a media personality, as the FIA previously pointed out. "Johnny was a very good commissioner, but then there was a conflict of interest, and he knows it. 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,” the president said during the FIA Officials Summit at the Circuito Permanente del Jarama in Madrid.
The FIA president stressed that such a situation raises questions about decision-making during F1 races. "And what happens if that driver you prefer has another driver in first or second place? How do you make your judgement?" Herbert's departure was therefore inevitable, according to Ben Sulayem. "The exit was... he understood it and thanked the FIA, and we thanked him for what he did.”
Since his departure, Johnny Herbert has taken on a new role as an ambassador for Lola in Formula E. In a statement, the 60-year-old Briton reiterated that stewards are always neutral and treat all F1 drivers and teams with the utmost respect. He firmly denied any allegations of bias during his time as a steward, asserting that impartiality was always his priority.
This article was written in priority with Toby Nixon
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