FIA president breaks silence on Johnny Herbert’s steward exit – ‘You can’t do that’ | F1 | Sport
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has opened up about Johnny Herbert’s exit as a Formula One steward, claiming his position had become untenable.
The FIA President admitted Herbet had recognised he held a “conflict of interest” because of his dual role as a steward and media figure in the world of Formula One.
Speaking to Marca, Ben Sulayem said: “Johnny was a very good commissioner, but then there was a conflict of interest and he knows that.
“You can’t be a journalist in a big company and express your point of view and then play the commissioner, who is a referee. You [might] say: ‘My best case scenario is that so-and-so wins.’
“And what if that driver you prefer has another driver in first or second place? How do you make your judgement?
“He understood [the decision] and he thanked the FIA [for the opportunity] and we thanked him for what he did.”
Herbert has previously worked with Sky Sports as a pundit and will now be free to take up more media gigs following his dismissal by the FIA.
In a statement released by Formula One’s governing body, the FIA said: “It is with regret that we announced today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 drivers steward for the FIA. Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role.
“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 with him well in his future endeavours.”
Herbert had defended his dual role when questions about impartiality were raised last year, stating: “I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend and Johnny Herbert a pundit at other times who expresses what he thinks.
“Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the racetrack? The racetrack has been my world for 50 years. If I do not quite agree with what I see on the racetrack I will say so. It is not just Max – I will criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted.”
Herbert won’t be involved from a professional point of view in the new Formula One season, which gets underway in Australia next month.
Max Verstappen is the overwhelming favourite to take home a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title.
