McLaren propose 'unpopular' solution to fix FIA problem

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown believes F1 teams contributing to the cost of full-time stewards could be the tonic to what is becoming an increasingly apparent issue for the FIA. 

The voluntary status of stewards is a subject that has again come to the fore in the wake of Johnny Herbert being removed from the role.

The governing body deemed his media work "incompatible" given the inherent conflict of interest between that and officiating grands prix.

Whilst many of those within the stewards' office need to seek employment elsewhere, the extent of Herbert's punditry work was considered a step too far.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner agreed with the move, calling the prior situation "totally inappropriate", and believes F1 needs professional stewards from the FIA, like Brown, who said the current arrangement is not conducive for "success" in its existing form.

"To have part-time, unpaid stewards in a multi-billion-dollar sport where everything is on the line to make the right call... I don’t think we are set up for success by not having full-time stewards," Brown told the Autosport Business Exchange in London.

"The individuals are fine but the rulebook is too restrictive. I’d like us to take a step back, loosen it up. Have full-time stewards who can make more of a subjective decision of whether that was right or wrong.

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An 'important' investment

The American even went as far as suggesting teams in F1 could help carry the financial burden for the FIA, which is a not-for-profit organisation.

"As far as paying for the stewards, this will probably be unpopular amongst my fellow teams, [but] I'm happy if McLaren and all the racing teams contribute," he added. "It's so important for the sport. It can't be that expensive if everybody contributes. It's not going to break the bank.

"What I don’t know is what’s the relationship contractually between the FIA and Formula 1 as far as what's the level of expectations on stewarding. But at the end of the day, the agreement says part-time stewarding is not paid."

Brown was keen to point out that if all 10 - potentially soon 11 - F1 teams pitch in, it will be considerably more palatable financially.

Leaning on his business acumen, the 53-year-old highlighted that change almost always comes at a price. This, however, is one he feels is worth investing in.

"In any business, if you want something different, it's called a change order and if you want to change something, you have to pay for it," he said.

"So, if we have to pay for it, in the big scheme of things I do not think it will be a significant amount. If it comes back to McLaren where you pay a percentage and what F1 will pay and what the FIA will pay, if you break up that fee, it is not that much but I think it is that important."