From Penalty Flags to Hot Takes: Should F1 Stewards Spill the Tea?

Ah, the world of Formula 1, where the action isn’t limited to the track. Even the stewards get their share of the spotlight—particularly when they take their expertise from the paddock to the media. Take Johnny Herbert, for instance. Known for his contributions as an F1 steward, Herbert has also become a familiar face in interviews, dishing out opinions on drivers and incidents. But with the possibility of his return as a steward in 2025, the question arises: is it okay for stewards to double as commentators?

Let’s get one thing straight—Herbert isn’t retired from stewarding. He’s part of the FIA’s rotational system, where stewards work selected races instead of the full calendar. This means he could very well officiate next season. And that’s where the ethical tightrope begins. Should active stewards, even on rotation, be sharing personal opinions about the very drivers and teams they may have to judge in future races?

For fans, having an insider’s perspective is gold. Who doesn’t love a little paddock gossip, especially when it comes from someone who’s been in the decision-making room? Herbert’s candor offers a rare glimpse into the sport’s inner workings. But it also comes with risks. Publicly voicing opinions about drivers could open the door to accusations of bias. If Herbert critiques a driver today, and that same driver faces a penalty in a race he stewards tomorrow, you can bet the conspiracy theories will be flying faster than a Red Bull in DRS.

The flip side is that being a steward isn’t a full-time gig—it’s more of a passion project for those involved. Herbert himself has highlighted the modest pay and demanding schedule of the role. So, it’s understandable that stewards might take on other jobs, like media gigs. But when those jobs involve critiquing the very sport they’re officiating, it can start to feel like a conflict of interest.

The debate isn’t just about Herbert—it’s about setting boundaries for all stewards. Should they be allowed to moonlight as pundits? Or should their roles require a level of impartiality that extends beyond the race weekend? While retired stewards have more freedom to speak their minds, active ones—even on a rotational basis—might need to tread carefully. After all, the credibility of F1’s officiating depends on it.

So, is it ethically okay for stewards like Johnny Herbert to share their opinions? It’s a bit of a grey area. If Herbert returns as a steward in 2025, it’ll be interesting to see if his media commentary takes a backseat—or if he continues to walk the fine line between transparency and controversy. Either way, one thing’s for sure: F1 drama isn’t just for the drivers.