Christian Horner Supports Removal of Johnny Herbert as FIA F1 Steward
In a recent development within the Formula 1 community, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has voiced his support for the decision made by the FIA to part ways with veteran steward Johnny Herbert. The announcement came on Wednesday, with the FIA citing Herbert’s media activities, particularly his role as a pundit for gambling websites, as the reason for his removal from steward duties.
Horner’s Endorsement
Expressing his approval of the FIA’s decision, Horner emphasized the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between the roles of stewards and media personalities. The Red Bull chief highlighted that having individuals who serve as stewards also engage in media activities could lead to conflicts of interest and compromise the integrity of the sport.
During an interview with Sky Sports F1 at the Autosport Awards in London, Horner stated, “You cannot have stewards working in the media. You’re either on the sporting regulatory side or you’re on the media side. You can’t have a foot in both camps.” He also clarified that the decision to remove Herbert was not influenced by any specific interactions between the steward and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
Challenging Dual Roles
This incident has not only sparked debate within the Formula 1 community but has also raised concerns about the dual roles that individuals like Herbert have been undertaking. Verstappen’s father, Jos, echoed the sentiment that stewards should refrain from engaging with the press to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
On the other hand, Herbert defended his stance, stating that he maintained a professional demeanor as a steward during race weekends and expressed personal opinions as a pundit at other times. Despite his efforts to segregate the two roles, the FIA deemed the dual responsibilities incompatible, leading to Herbert’s dismissal.
Call for Professionalism
The decision to remove Herbert has underscored a broader discussion within the motorsport community about the need for full-time, professional stewards. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has been a vocal advocate for transitioning to a system where stewards are dedicated professionals rather than part-time volunteers.
Brown emphasized the significance of having full-time stewards who are adequately compensated for their roles, suggesting that contributions from teams could help fund this transition. He also called for a more nuanced approach to rule interpretation, advocating for greater flexibility and subjectivity in decision-making to ensure fair and consistent outcomes on the track.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve and address challenges related to governance and officiating, the role of stewards remains a focal point for improvement and reform. The recent developments surrounding Johnny Herbert serve as a catalyst for reevaluating the structure and operations of stewarding in the sport, with key figures like Christian Horner and Zak Brown advocating for positive changes to enhance the overall integrity and competitiveness of Formula 1.
