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FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has explained the reasons the sport’s governing body dismissed Johnny Herbert as a driver steward ahead of the new Formula 1 season.
Last week, after 15 years in his post, Herbert was removed due to the organization deeming his role and media work as “incompatible.” Despite expecting to work as a steward in Australia, Herbert remained grateful for the opportunity, acknowledging the necessity for tough decisions. Ben Sulayem confirmed the accuracy of the reasons behind Herbert’s removal and stressed the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest in roles such as commissioner. The FIA is aiming to inject “new blood” into the stewarding team and hinted at the appointment of multiple Race Directors for the upcoming season. This follows a series of high-profile exits and replacements within the FIA at the end of the 2024 campaign, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to enhancing professionalism and addressing concerns raised by drivers.
