Mika Salo has suggested that he is unlikely to continue in his role as an occasional Formula 1 steward in 2025.
The former F1 driver has been a regular presence in the stewards' office since 2012, but with the FIA tightening its stance on potential conflicts of interest, his future in the role appears uncertain.
Fellow ex-driver Johnny Herbert was originally scheduled to officiate at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next month. However, the FIA reversed that decision, ruling that Herbert's media work—particularly with gambling-related websites—was "incompatible" with his responsibilities as an F1 steward.
"You can't be a journalist and express your point of view and then play the referee," FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained last week.
Speaking to Iltalehti, Salo revealed that he will continue working as a pundit for Viaplay this year, making it unlikely that he will return to his stewarding role.
"I'm not saying it's for sure, but I'm unlikely to serve as a steward anymore," the Finn admitted.
"I didn't have time last year. There are also small conflicts of interest when you do other work related to the same sport.
"Then it's difficult to be in a refereeing situation. I'd rather not do it at all than take any risk of someone getting angry about what I do."
However, Salo believes his situation differs from Herbert's, who has been outspoken about certain drivers.
"He criticised Max Verstappen and a few other drivers quite publicly, so the FIA considered him to be a biased judge," Salo said.
