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.

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 1 season gets underway, one of their race stewards has been removed by the sport’s governing body. The FIA announced on Wednesday that Johnny Herbert, a former driver who notched three Grand Prix victories during his time on the grid,