Following the FIA’s announcement that Johnny Herbert will no longer be a steward at Grand Prix races ahead of the F1 2025 season, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the “conflict of interest” that led to the former driver’s departure.
Speaking to Spanish media MARCA, Sulayem noted that Herbert’s dual roles as a steward and media pundit were ultimately incompatible, and unsustainable.
Since leaving the role, Herbert has joined Lola Cars as a Global Brand Ambassador.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s comments on Johnny Herbert’s departure
“Johnny was a very good steward, but there was a conflict of interest, and he knows it,” Sulayem said.
“You can’t be a journalist at a big company, express your point of view, and then act as a steward—which is like being a referee.”
The FIA President highlighted the challenges of maintaining impartiality while expressing personal opinions in the media.
“You say, ‘my best scenario is for so-and-so to win’. And what happens if the driver you prefer has someone else in first or second place? How do you make your judgment?”
Sulayem revealed that the decision for Herbert to step down was reached amicably, with both parties acknowledging the issues at play.
“Well, I mean, the outcome was… he understood it and thanked the FIA (for the opportunity), and we thanked him for what he did.”
Johnny Herbert’s controversies
Herbert’s departure comes after a series of outspoken media appearances, where he didn’t hold back in sharing strong opinions on drivers and races.
Most notably, he criticised Max Verstappen’s driving style, accusing the world champion of using intimidation tactics against his rivals.
Despite these comments making exciting headlines, they also raised questions about Herbert’s ability to remain impartial in his role as a steward.
At the time, Verstappen’s father, Jos, was keen to express that Herbert holds a strong bias against his son.
“The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest.”
Ultimately, the FIA noted that Johnny Herbert’s leaving was “mutually agreed”, and that “his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible.”
