Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver and long-standing FIA steward, has been dismissed from his role after 15 years, following a controversy involving Max Verstappen. The FIA cited an “incompatibility” between Herbert’s duties as a steward and his work as a media pundit as the primary reason for his removal.
The incident that precipitated this decision occurred during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix. Herbert, serving as a steward for the event, was part of the panel that imposed two 10-second time penalties on Verstappen for forcing McLaren driver Lando Norris off the track during their on-track battles. These penalties significantly impacted Verstappen’s race, dropping him to a sixth-place finish, while Norris secured second place.
Following the race, Herbert publicly criticized Verstappen’s driving style, describing it as overly aggressive and indicative of a “horrible mindset.” He suggested that Verstappen’s actions were not only detrimental to fair racing but also potentially aimed at influencing the championship standings by hindering competitors like Norris.
These comments drew sharp responses from Verstappen’s camp, particularly from his father, Jos Verstappen, who accused Herbert of bias and questioned the appropriateness of a steward making such public critiques. The elder Verstappen highlighted a potential conflict of interest, given Herbert’s dual role as a race official and media commentator.
In response to the escalating tension, the FIA conducted a review and concluded that Herbert’s media engagements were incompatible with the impartiality required of a steward. An FIA spokesperson stated, “While we respect Johnny Herbert’s contributions to the sport, the dual roles present a conflict that cannot be reconciled. To maintain the integrity of our officiating, we have decided to part ways.”
Herbert defended his actions, asserting that his decisions were professional and unbiased. He emphasized that his critiques of Verstappen were not personal attacks but reflections shared by others within the F1 community. He stated, “My role as a pundit requires me to provide honest assessments. Critiquing driving standards is part of that responsibility, and it’s a sentiment echoed by many in our sport.”
This incident has sparked a broader discussion within the F1 community about the roles and responsibilities of stewards. McLaren team principal Zak Brown has called for the establishment of full-time, paid stewards to ensure consistency and professionalism in officiating. He argued that such a move would prevent potential conflicts of interest and uphold the integrity of the sport’s regulatory framework.
The departure of Herbert leaves a vacancy in the FIA’s panel of stewards ahead of the upcoming season. The organization has yet to announce a replacement, but the situation underscores the challenges in balancing the expertise of former drivers with the need for impartial officiating in Formula 1.
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