Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, has voiced his support for the decision to remove Johnny Herbert as an FIA Formula 1 steward. The FIA announced on Wednesday that Herbert, a seasoned driver steward with 160 grand prix starts under his belt, would no longer serve as a steward during race weekends. The governing body cited Herbert’s involvement in media activities, particularly as a pundit for gambling websites, as incompatible with his role as a steward.
In response to this news, Horner expressed his agreement with the FIA’s decision, emphasizing that Herbert’s removal was the right call. Despite any previous conflicts between Herbert and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, Horner clarified that the decision had nothing to do with Max himself. He highlighted the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between roles in sports, stating that individuals cannot simultaneously serve as stewards and media personalities.
Verstappen’s father, Jos, also criticized Herbert’s dual roles, asserting that stewards should refrain from engaging with the press altogether. On the other hand, Herbert defended his position, claiming that he could differentiate between his responsibilities as a steward during race weekends and his role as a pundit at other times.
The decision to dismiss Herbert shed light on the ongoing debate within motorsport regarding the professionalism of FIA stewards. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, advocated for full-time professional stewards, suggesting that relying on part-time volunteers may not be conducive to making critical decisions in a high-stakes environment. Brown proposed that teams contribute financially to support professional stewards, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated and well-compensated team of individuals overseeing races.
Additionally, Brown called for a more flexible approach to interpreting racing rules, particularly in light of contentious situations like the Verstappen-Norris battles in Austin and Mexico. He argued that the current rulebook was overly restrictive and advocated for a more subjective decision-making process led by full-time stewards who could exercise greater discretion in evaluating on-track incidents.
As the debate over the role and professionalism of FIA stewards continues to evolve, stakeholders in the sport are grappling with the need for a more structured and sustainable approach to officiating Formula 1 races. The decision to part ways with Herbert has sparked discussions about the future of stewarding in motorsport and the importance of ensuring clarity, impartiality, and expertise in overseeing competitive events.
By addressing these fundamental issues and advocating for a more robust stewarding system, Formula 1 aims to enhance the integrity and fairness of its races while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in the sport. As the sport navigates these challenges, the input and perspectives of key figures like Christian Horner, Zak Brown, and other industry leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Formula 1 stewarding practices.
