Formula 1 season gets underway, one of their race stewards has been removed by the sport’s governing body. The FIA announced on Wednesday that Johnny Herbert, a former driver who notched three Grand Prix victories during his time on the grid,

The former F1 driver was in line to be a steward at the season-opening race in Australia but was criticised by Jos Verstappen last year for his dual role as steward and pundit

Formula One season onwards, Johnny Herbert will no longer be an FIA steward during Grand Prix weekends. The decision puts an end to the increasingly loud calls for the removal of Herbert from his voluntary position because of possible conflicts of interest.

Red Bull were reportedly one of two teams who protested against Johnny Herbert’s position within the FIA. The three-time Grand Prix winner was removed from his post as an F1 steward on Wednesday.

At the end of last season, F1 drivers called on the FIA to try to ensure there was greater consistency in stewarding decisions and the awarding of penalties, with Mercedes driver George Russell being particularly vocal on the need for permanent stewards instead of the existing rotating, volunteer system.

Johnny Herbert has been dropped as a Formula One steward for the upcoming 2025 season after it was “mutually agreed” that his work as a media pundit was “incompatible” with his work for the FIA.

Johnny Herbert, now a former FIA race steward, issued his final warning to Max Verstappen just days before his removal as he told the F1 World Champion that rivals would “rebel” and “push back” against his antics.