In a recent development, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner clarified that Max Verstappen played no part in the exit of F1 driver steward Johnny Herbert. The FIA, the governing body of the sport, announced that Herbert would no longer be part of their former drivers’ pool due to his media work conflicting with his role as a steward. Herbert had criticized Verstappen’s driving during the Mexico City Grand Prix in October, where Verstappen received two 10-second penalties for incidents involving McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Horner emphasized that Verstappen was not involved in the decision, although he supported the FIA’s move to separate the roles of stewards and media personalities. He explained this stance during an interview with Sky Sports News at the Autosport Awards, stating that it was inappropriate for stewards to work in the media while also regulating the sport.
The decision to remove Herbert as a steward sparked a discussion on the nature of stewarding in Formula 1. The 60-year-old Herbert, known for his work as a driver in the past, expressed his fondness for the stewarding role in a statement on Instagram. He acknowledged the challenges of making tough decisions and highlighted the importance of impartiality and respect in interactions with drivers and team members.
As the F1 community navigated the aftermath of Herbert’s departure, McLaren’s chief executive Zak Brown weighed in on the stewarding debate. Brown suggested that having full-time, paid stewards could improve the situation in the sport. He emphasized the complexity of stewarding in a high-stakes, multi-billion-dollar industry and called for a more flexible approach to rule enforcement, allowing experienced stewards to exercise judgment in decision-making processes.
Expert Opinions on Stewarding in Formula 1
The 2024 F1 season witnessed several contentious moments on the track, prompting calls for reform in stewarding practices. In a bid to address these concerns, drivers engaged in constructive discussions with FIA officials and stewards during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. The meetings aimed to clarify guidelines related to wheel-to-wheel racing and enhance transparency in stewarding decisions.
As the sport prepares for the 2025 season, the debate around stewarding intensifies. The proposal for full-time, compensated stewards gains traction, with industry leaders like Zak Brown advocating for a more nuanced, flexible approach to rule enforcement. By prioritizing professionalism and expertise in stewarding roles, Formula 1 aims to uphold fairness and integrity in its regulatory processes, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Formula 1 Season
With the upcoming F1 season on the horizon, stakeholders anticipate a renewed focus on stewarding practices and regulatory clarity. As teams prepare for the Australian Grand Prix in March, the discussions around stewarding reform underscore the sport’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence. By fostering dialogue between drivers, teams, and regulatory bodies, Formula 1 seeks to enhance the integrity and competitiveness of its races, setting the stage for an exciting and fair 2025 season.
