- Johnny Herbert was removed from his role due to his ‘incompatibale’ media work
- Herbert, 60, was set to reprise his position for the Australian Grand Prix this year
- In a statement, he insisted he never let bias play a part in his decision making
F1 pundit Johnny Herbert has broken his silence after being dropped as a steward for the upcoming season, insisting he did not let bias affect his decision-making.
Herbert, 60, was removed from his role this week after it was mutually agreed that his media work was ‘incompatible’ with his responsibilities for the FIA.
Last season, world champion Max Verstappen complained that certain individuals in the sport were ‘biased’ against him, and is thought to have been referring to Herbert.
Herbert, who worked for Sky Sports before being dropped in 2023, was on the stewards’ panel in Mexico last year, where Verstappen was hit with a dramatic 20-second penalty for forcing McLaren’s Lando Norris off the track twice.
He went on to claim the Dutchman’s driving had been ‘harsh’ and ‘over the top’ and also took aim at his ‘horrible mindset’, all comments which irritated Verstappen.
Herbert was set to reprise the role again this year, starting with the Australian Grand Prix in March, but his work with betting websites, which sees him share his opinions on controversies in F1, stirred anger in the paddock.
F1 pundit Johnny Herbert has broken his silence after being removed as a steward
Herbert’s critical comments on Max Verstappen irked the four-time world champion
Verstappen was hit with a 20-second penalty after running Lando Norris off the track in Mexico
The news of his departure was confirmed by the FIA on Wednesday morning and Herbert issued a statement that seemingly acted as a parting shot at Verstappen.
‘I’m very grateful for the opportunity of being an FIA driver steward and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I have been involved in over the years,’ Herbert said. ‘It is a difficult job and there are tough decisions that have to be made.
‘As stewards, we have and will continue to treat both drivers and team personnel with the utmost respect and remain impartial at all times during all Grand Prix weekends.
‘Finally, l’m very grateful to the president and everyone at the FIA for the opportunities that I have been given.’
The FIA’s statement read: ‘It is with regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward for the FIA. Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role.
‘However, after discussion, it was mutually agreed that his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.’
Speaking after Verstappen finished sixth in Mexico despite his time penalties, Herbert took aim at the champion’s no-holds-barred approach on the track.
‘Verstappen’s driving style was harsh,’ Herbert told Action Network. ‘Especially when he’s taking a fellow driver off the track.
Herbert (centre) also worked for Sky Sports before being dropped in 2023
His media work is believed to have irritated Verstappen and his father, Jos (right)
‘It’s an absolute no-no from me, current drivers, former drivers and stewards.
‘I am such a big fan of Verstappen and it frustrates me massively when he drives the way he did in Mexico.
‘He doesn’t need to do it, he’s so good in the cockpit and at this point in the championship, he just needs to stay out of trouble and drive as well as possible.
‘When Verstappen goes into this horrible mindset of trying to gain an advantage by taking a fellow driver off the race track so Ferrari can get the one-two, that is where Verstappen needs to know he doesn’t have to do that.
‘Just win in the cleanest possible way you can.’
