Key Takeaways:

• Johnny Herbert has been dismissed as a steward for F1 by the FIA, citing a conflict with his media role.
• McLaren's Zak Brown calls for the introduction of permanent stewards in Formula 1.
• Herbert's comments on racing incidents have caused controversy, particularly involving Max Verstappen.
• The FIA has faced scrutiny over its stewarding system and accountability measures.

Former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert has been removed from his role as a driver steward by the FIA due to what it termed an "incompatible" conflict between his duties as an official and his work as a media pundit. The FIA announced the decision with regret, emphasizing that Herbert, a three-time race winner who brought valuable experience to his role, would no longer officiate at races, including the upcoming season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16. Such moves were influenced by Herbert's vocal criticism of Max Verstappen's on-track behavior during the previous season, which garnered backlash from Verstappen's camp.

After the Guardian reported on the FIA's statement, it became clear that Herbert's involvement in media commentary about race decisions he participated in raised concerns of a potential conflict of interest. Indeed, this dismissal marks a notable trend within the FIA, which has seen other officials also removed from their positions recently.

In light of these developments, Zak Brown, McLaren's team principal, has publicly advocated for the establishment of permanent stewards in Formula One, following the Federation's ongoing reliance on volunteer officials who are often appointed on a race-by-race basis. “I don’t think we're set up for success by not having full-time stewards,” Brown stated at the Autosport Business Exchange conference, drawing attention to the need for a stable and consistent stewarding presence in the sport. Brown has expressed McLaren's willingness to contribute to the associated costs, stating that financial implications would be manageable if all teams participated.

Herbert, who previously worked as a pundit for Sky Sports F1 but was excluded from the broadcaster's lineup ahead of the 2023 season, faced heightened scrutiny after publicly critiquing Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, labeling it "over the top" and suggesting he maintained a "horrible mindset" on track. Following an incident during the Mexican Grand Prix where Verstappen received penalties for collisions with McLaren’s Lando Norris, tensions flared with Verstappen's father, Jos, who raised questions regarding the integrity of the FIA's stewarding choices.

Overall, the FIA's decision regarding Herbert encapsulates ongoing concerns over transparency and accountability within its stewarding framework. As the sport evolves, calls for permanent officials grow louder amid scrutiny from teams and fans alike. This transition might be essential for ensuring fairness and integrity in the ever-competitive realm of Formula One as highlighted in reports from BBC and Reuters.