The 2025 Formula 1 season is approaching, and the Federation is preparing for some changes. After ending its collaboration with Johnny Herbert, the FIA is gearing up for further updates, as discussed by the president of the governing body of F1, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Changes continue within the Federation. Speaking to the Spanish publication Marca, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem elaborated on the upcoming changes for 2025, focusing on the recent departure of Johnny Herbert.
Rotation of F1 Stewards and Race Directors: FIA President Unveils 2025 Plans
The 63-year-old Emirati outlined the Federation’s plans for the 2025 season. According to the Dubai-born president, one of the FIA’s main priorities is having a larger pool of potential stewards. Increasing the rotation of race officials appears to be a key focus for Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “The FIA needs fresh blood in this area. We don’t want to have too many selection constraints, but rather a broader pool to choose from. We will have it, and it will support the motorsport industry.”
Not only will there be a rotation of stewards, but also of race directors. With Wittich no longer in the role, the FIA relied on Rui Marques for the final races of 2024. For 2025, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has a clear plan: “There will be more than one race director. That is certain. Who and how many they will be, you will find out soon.”
Herbert-FIA, Reasons for the Split: Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s Explanation
The 1961-born president then addressed the departure of Johnny Herbert, who was dismissed as a race steward in recent weeks. “You can’t be a journalist in a high-profile organization, express your opinions, and then act as a steward, which is essentially a referee.” – he pointed out.
“Johnny was an excellent steward, but at some point, a conflict of interest emerged. He knows this too,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained. “He understood the decision and thanked the FIA for the opportunity. We also thanked him for what he has done.”
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