Reports suggest that at least two Formula 1 teams, including Red Bull, pushed the FIA to remove Johnny Herbert from his stewarding role over concerns of bias.
The 60-year-old, a former Benetton, Sauber, and Jaguar driver, had been slated to serve as the driver steward at the 2025 season opener in Melbourne.
However, his sudden removal follows criticism from Max Verstappen and his father Jos, who alleged that Herbert showed pro-British bias in his media work while also serving as an FIA official.
Jos Verstappen had called for reform in F1's officiating during the 2024 season, telling Dutch media: "The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest."
Herbert defended himself at the time, arguing that his independent media work, including contributions to gambling websites, did not affect his impartiality as a steward.
"Everyone has an opinion," he said.
"Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can't I when I am not at the racetrack?
"It is not just Max - I will criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted. Is there any bias? No, of course not."
However, on Wednesday, the FIA announced that it had "mutually agreed that (Herbert's) duties as an FIA steward and those of a media pundit were "incompatible".
"We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours," the governing body added.
In response, Herbert expressed gratitude for his time as a steward.
"It is a difficult job, and there are tough decisions that have to be made," he said.
"As stewards, we have and will continue to treat both drivers and team personnel with the utmost respect and remain impartial at all times during all grand prix weekends."
Herbert's exit comes as McLaren CEO Zak Brown has renewed calls for Formula 1 to employ full-time, paid stewards instead of relying on non-permanent officials.
"I don't think we're set up for success by not having full-time stewards," Brown said at the Autosport Business Exchange conference in London.
"As far as paying for stewards, this will probably be unpopular amongst my fellow teams, but I'm happy if McLaren and all the racing teams contribute. I think it's so important for the sport."
