McLaren chief slams FIA failure after brutal F1 AXE… read more
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has strongly criticized the FIA’s decision to remove Johnny Herbert from his role as a Formula 1 steward. The FIA recently announced that Herbert would be stepping down from his position in 2025, citing a “mutual” agreement that his work within the organization and role as a pundit were “incompatible.”
Herbert’s removal follows a protest by Jos Verstappen, who claimed that the former F1 driver had a “conflict of interest” after presiding over Max Verstappen’s 20-second time penalty at the Mexican Grand Prix last season. However, Brown’s criticism of the FIA’s decision goes beyond Herbert’s individual case and highlights a broader issue with the organization’s approach to stewarding in F1.
During an appearance at the Autosport Business Exchange, Brown emphasized the need for a more consistent and professional approach to stewarding in F1. He argued that the current system, which relies on part-time, unpaid stewards, is not equipped to handle the complexities and pressures of the sport.
“The biggest thing we need to do is approach the stewarding system,” Brown said. “To have part-time, unpaid stewards in a multi-billion-dollar sport where everything is on the line to make the right call…It is a technical job and when you get it right, no one says ‘great job’. But I don’t think we are set up for success by not having full-time stewards.”
Brown’s proposal for full-time stewards is not a new idea, but it is one that has gained significant traction in recent years. Many in the F1 paddock believe that the current system is too reliant on part-time stewards who may not have the necessary expertise or experience to make informed decisions.
The McLaren CEO also highlighted the restrictive nature of the current rulebook, which can make it difficult for stewards to make subjective decisions. He argued that a more flexible approach would allow stewards to make more informed decisions and reduce the number of controversies that arise from disputed penalties.
“I’d like us to take a step back, loosen it up,” Brown said. “Have full-time stewards who can make more of a subjective decision of whether that was right or wrong.”
One of the potential obstacles to implementing a system of full-time stewards is the cost. However, Brown argued that this would not be a significant burden for the teams, and that it would be a worthwhile investment in the sport.
“As far as paying for the stewards, this will probably be unpopular amongst my fellow teams,” Brown said. “I’m happy if McLaren and all the racing teams contribute. It’s so important for the sport. It can’t be that expensive if everybody contributes. It’s not going to break the bank.”
Despite his strong criticisms of the FIA’s approach to stewarding, Brown acknowledged that he does not fully understand the relationship between the FIA and F1. He emphasized the need for greater clarity and transparency in this area, and suggested that the FIA and F1 teams need to work together to find a more effective and consistent approach to stewarding.
“What I don’t know is what’s the relationship contractually between the FIA and Formula 1 as far as what’s the level of expectations on stewarding,” Brown said. “But at the end of the day, the agreement says part-time stewarding is not paid.”
Overall, Brown’s comments highlight the need for a more professional and consistent approach to stewarding in F1. The current system has been criticized for its lack of transparency and consistency, and Brown’s proposal for full-time stewards is one that has gained significant traction in recent years. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it is likely that the issue of stewarding will remain a key area of focus and debate.
