Key Takeaways:

• Johnny Herbert was removed as a Formula 1 steward by the FIA, citing "incompatible" duties with his media work.
• McLaren boss Zak Brown advocated for the establishment of permanent stewards in the sport.
• The FIA acknowledged Herbert's valuable experience but stated the overlap in roles was unacceptable.

LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Johnny Herbert has been dismissed from his position as a steward in Formula One, as the FIA declared that his role as a media pundit conflicted with his responsibilities as a steward. This decision comes amid a backdrop of tension between Herbert and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, especially after comments Herbert made about Verstappen's driving style during the Mexican Grand Prix last season. The FIA called the decision to remove Herbert "regrettable," recognizing his contributions while emphasizing the importance of keeping the stewardship role free from external distractions, as detailed in The Guardian.

McLaren's principal, Zak Brown, has voiced strong support for the introduction of permanent stewards in Formula One. He stated that the inconsistency in stewarding could hinder the success of the sport, saying, "I don't think we're set up for success by not having full-time stewards." Brown expressed McLaren's willingness to contribute financially to this initiative, aiming to facilitate a more stable environment for officiating races. "If everyone contributes, it won't break the bank," he noted at the Autosport Business Exchange conference, as reported by Reuters.

The FIA's announcement reflects a broader trend of leadership changes within the organization, as the body faces scrutiny regarding the governance of Formula One. With Herbert's exit marking the second dismissal of a veteran steward recently, questions arise about the integrity and transparency of the officiating process. During his stewardship, Herbert was often in the limelight, particularly after awarding penalties to Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix, which led to further disputes with Verstappen's camp. These developments underscore ongoing concerns in the paddock regarding the effectiveness and perception of race officials' impartiality, particularly amidst allegations of bias, as discussed in a BBC article.

As Formula One gears up for another competitive season, the call for structural reform appears increasingly urgent, emphasizing the need for consistency and accountability within the sport's regulatory framework.