Mika Salo is not expected to remain as an F1 steward.

      Mika Salo is uncertain about his potential role as an occasional Formula 1 steward this year. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert was set to act as a steward at the season-opening grand prix in Melbourne next month but the FIA reversed this decision, determining that Herbert's media commitments—mainly writing for gambling websites—were "incompatible" with the responsibilities of an official in the sport. "You can’t be a journalist and express your point of view and then play the referee," stated FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last week. Salo, who has regularly been part of the F1 stewards' panel since 2012, told Iltalehti newspaper that he will also continue his role as a pundit for Viaplay this year. "I’m not saying it’s certain, but I’m not likely to serve as a steward anymore," the Finnish driver said. "I didn’t have time last year. There are also minor conflicts of interest when you have other jobs connected to the same sport, making it hard to be in a refereeing role. I’d prefer to abstain entirely than risk upsetting someone over my activities." Nevertheless, the former Sauber and Ferrari driver believes his situation differs slightly from Herbert’s. "He publicly criticized Max Verstappen and several other drivers, which led the FIA to view him as a biased official," Salo remarked.