FIA steward hits back at F1 teams’ criticism in ‘play that… read more
FIA Steward Johnny Herbert has responded to criticism from Formula 1 teams, defending the governing body’s position and explaining the challenges they face in rule enforcement. Herbert, a former F1 driver and current rotating steward, acknowledged that while every team seeks to influence the FIA’s decisions to their advantage, the FIA’s job of overseeing the sport is a complex and difficult task.
Herbert pointed out that Formula 1 teams, driven by their competitive positions, often try to steer the rules and decisions in their favor. However, the FIA often bears the brunt of the criticism when it does not act in line with the teams’ desires. He stated that while teams may lobby for rule changes that could help them gain an advantage, it is ultimately the FIA’s responsibility to maintain fairness across the grid and ensure that all decisions are as equitable as possible.
The upcoming 2025 season is poised to bring the latest edition of the Concorde Agreement, which will set the terms for how the teams, FIA, and Formula One Management (FOM) will operate moving forward. As part of this ongoing negotiation, teams, drivers, and the FIA engage in regular briefings to address any concerns and suggest changes to the rules. Despite these efforts, Herbert explained that teams will always have their own agendas and will try to influence the rules to benefit them, given their respective positions in the championship.
Herbert, who has worked with the FIA in a variety of stewarding roles throughout the season, emphasized the difficult balance the FIA must maintain. Rules are often subject to revision as teams argue for amendments when one team appears to be ahead of the others, but the governing body’s role is to manage these changes while maintaining fairness for everyone. Herbert acknowledged that each team’s desire to manipulate the rules is part of the sport, but he reiterated that the FIA must continue to uphold integrity, even when faced with these competing interests.
The steward also highlighted the ongoing challenges in balancing the needs of teams with the overarching goal of fairness. Despite the criticisms, Herbert is optimistic that, with time, the controversies and rule changes will eventually settle, allowing the sport to move forward smoothly into the next season. He stressed the importance of the FIA’s presence, noting that their long-standing experience in the sport positions them uniquely to manage the complex dynamics between teams, drivers, and the sport’s regulations. In conclusion, Herbert emphasized that while rule disputes will always arise, the FIA’s role in maintaining fairness remains crucial to Formula 1’s integrity.
