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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has explained the reasons behind the governing body’s decision to stand Johnny Herbert down as an F1 steward.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed Johnny Herbert’s exit from the motorsport governing body, citing Herbert’s extensive media work as incompatible with his stewarding duties. The FIA decided to remove Herbert from his stewarding position ahead of the 2025 season, a move that has garnered broad support but has also sparked discussions on the role of stewards in top-tier motorsport. The volunteer nature of stewarding positions has led to conflicts of interest, as seen in Herbert’s case, prompting calls for professionalizing stewarding with a full-time roster of officials to ensure consistency in decisions. Ben Sulayem acknowledged the flaws in the current system and emphasized the need for unbiased judgment in stewarding, illustrating why the FIA took action regarding Herbert. Herbert accepted the reason for his departure and expressed gratitude to the FIA, while the governing body acknowledged his contributions to the sport.
