The FIA’s decision to sack Johnny Herbert has sparked heated debate across the Formula 1 community, but FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists it was the right call. According to the Emirati motorsport chief, Herbert’s dual role as an FIA steward and media journalist created an undeniable conflict of interest—one the governing body could no longer tolerate.
Herbert, a former F1 driver and longtime Sky Sports pundit, was let go amid mounting accusations of “nationality bias” in stewarding decisions. Facing increasing criticism over controversial rulings throughout the 2024 season, the FIA took decisive action, removing Herbert in an effort to restore credibility.
But was this truly a necessary move, or is the FIA using Herbert as a scapegoat for its broader officiating issues?
Ben Sulayem: A Conflict of Interest Too Big to Ignore
Herbert’s simultaneous roles as a race steward and a television analyst became untenable, according to Ben Sulayem. The FIA President explained that a referee cannot also be a commentator, as their professional objectivity could be questioned.
“Johnny was a very good commissioner, but then there was a conflict of interest, and he knows it.”
“You can’t be a journalist in a big company, express your point of view, and then act as a commissioner, which is a referee.”
Ben Sulayem further questioned the fairness of Herbert’s rulings, particularly when it came to British drivers. While he stopped short of accusing the Briton of outright favoritism, he posed a pointed rhetorical question:
“And what happens if that driver you prefer has another driver in first or second place? How do you make your judgment?”
This implied suggestion of bias—whether intentional or subconscious—was enough for the FIA to pull the trigger on Herbert’s removal.
Herbert’s Dismissal: A Strategic Move to Avoid Backlash?
Herbert was far from the only steward under fire in 2024. The FIA’s race officiating faced heavy scrutiny throughout the season, with accusations of inconsistency and favoritism plaguing several Grand Prix weekends.
The governing body was accused of making rulings based on nationality bias, and Herbert became the highest-profile casualty in its attempt to clean up its image. While Ben Sulayem claims Herbert “understood and thanked the FIA” for the decision, many within the F1 community see the move as a face-saving maneuver to deflect from larger issues.
FIA Cracks Down: More Power to Stewards, Less Criticism from Drivers
Herbert’s firing is part of a broader FIA effort to strengthen its authority in Formula 1. In addition to revamping its stewarding lineup, the governing body has introduced strict new policies against public criticism from drivers.
Under recently enacted rules, drivers who publicly disparage the FIA’s officiating risk facing race bans—a bold and controversial move aimed at restoring control.
With these changes, the FIA hopes to avoid a repeat of 2024’s credibility crisis, but the question remains: Is the sport heading toward better governance or stifling dissent?
What’s Next? F1’s Officiating Future Hangs in the Balance
The 2025 Formula 1 season looms with uncertainty as the FIA reshuffles its stewarding structure and asserts more control over its public perception.
🔹 Can the FIA’s new stewarding approach truly eliminate controversy, or will bias accusations persist?
🔹 Will drivers push back against the new crackdown on FIA criticism?
🔹 Was Johnny Herbert’s sacking a justified move or an easy scapegoat decision?
One thing is certain: the FIA’s handling of race officiating will be under a microscope in 2025—and any further missteps could reignite tensions between the governing body and the grid.
