Mika Salo doubts his future as an F1 steward, citing conflicts of interest, as the FIA faces another high-profile departure.
Mika Salo now also doubts whether he will occasionally serve as a “driver” steward in Formula 1 this year.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert was initially set to act as a steward at the first Grand Prix of 2025 in Melbourne next month.
However, the FIA reversed its decision, concluding that Herbert’s parallel media work—mainly opinion columns—was “incompatible” with his role as an official of the sport.
“You cannot be a journalist, express your views, and then act as a referee,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained last week.
Salo, a regular in the F1 stewards’ office since 2012, revealed that he would also continue working as a consultant for Finnish television this year.
“I’m not saying it’s certain, but it’s unlikely that I’ll still be a steward,” the Finn admitted.
“I didn’t have time last year. There are also small conflicts of interest when you work in other areas related to the same sport. That makes it difficult to be in a refereeing position.”
“I’d rather not do it at all than risk someone getting upset over what I do.”
However, the former Sauber and Ferrari driver believes his situation differs slightly from Herbert’s.
“He criticized Max Verstappen and a few other drivers quite publicly, so the FIA saw him as a biased judge.”
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FIA Faces Another Exit as Salo Questions Steward Role FIA Faces Another Exit as Salo Questions Steward Role
