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.

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.