FIA Steward Johnny Herbert Calls Out Team Criticism: ‘They All Play That Game’ in Formula 1 Rules Enforcement
The FIA’s challenging balancing act in Formula 1 race regulations and stewarding
Three-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert has spoken out about the complexities faced by the FIA stewarding team as they enforce the sport’s strict rules and regulations. As a rotating Formula 1 driver steward, Herbert provided valuable insight into the increasing difficulties the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) encounters amid growing criticism from Formula 1 teams eager to find competitive edges.
In an interview with Plejmo.com, Herbert explained the often-contentious relationship between the FIA, teams, and drivers, emphasizing how differing agendas influence their approaches to F1 race rule enforcement. “The teams are all trying to steer things that favor them, and the FIA gets the brunt of the criticism because they are not doing what the teams want them to do to try to gain an advantage,” Herbert said bluntly. “They all play that game.”
Understanding the FIA’s dual role as Formula 1 rule-maker and referee
The FIA’s unique position as both a Formula 1 rules regulator and on-track referee creates inherent challenges. The F1 technical and sporting regulations are developed in collaboration with teams and drivers, often resulting in debates and disputes as each party pushes for changes beneficial to their own performance goals. Herbert elaborated:
“There are always challenges to the rules though because there is always someone who wants them changed because one team is further ahead than the others. Everybody has got their own agenda in how they want to manipulate the rules, and the FIA is trying to be as fair as they possibly can.”
Looking ahead to the next Concorde Agreement and its impact on F1 governance
While the Formula 1 2025 season remains a few years away, the upcoming negotiations around the next Concorde Agreement will heavily influence the sport’s future commercial and regulatory landscape. This pivotal contract involves key stakeholders—the FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), and the teams—working to establish how Formula 1 will operate for years to come.
Herbert expressed cautious optimism about these talks resolving ongoing disputes and enabling the FIA to focus on its primary role: maintaining fairness on the race grid.
“Hopefully all the issues will peter out and we can start afresh next season. It is very important that the FIA is there. They have been there the longest and understand it the best,” he said.
The demanding role of FIA stewards in an intensely competitive Formula 1 environment
As the 2023 Formula 1 season unfolds, the FIA’s role as the ultimate arbiter of rules remains as vital—and as complex—as ever. Balancing the competing priorities of F1 teams and drivers with a mandate to uphold fairness is a tough job that continuously draws scrutiny.
Johnny Herbert’s candid remarks underscore that while disputes and strategic maneuvering will always be part of Formula 1 racing, the FIA’s commitment to fair rules enforcement in Formula 1 is central to preserving the integrity and spirit of the sport.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing regulations, one truth stands firm: everyone plays the game, but the FIA must call it.
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