Johnny Herbert sends Max Verstappen message after being sacked as F1 steward

Johnny Herbert has been removed from his role as an F1 steward for the FIA after the governing body decided his punditry work was incompatible with the position

Johnny Herbert has opened up about why he was let go by the FIA, with a defiant statement on his sacking.

The Formula 1 veteran, at 60 years old, finds himself barred from stewarding races due to conflicting commitments. Herbert’s work with betting websites, where he discussed controversies in the sport, led to complaints about the situation, including from Max Verstappen and his father Jos.

In his role as an F1 steward, Herbert was expected to maintain neutrality, but his commentaries have led to his dismissal. Previously a pundit for Sky Sports, Herbert was removed from their roster after the 2022 season.

The news of his dismissal was formally conveyed by the FIA on Wednesday morning. And Herbert has now issued a statement of his own to to express his feelings about the situation, insisting he never allowed bias to play a part in his decision making as a steward.

He said: “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. 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 F1 Grand Prix weekends. Finally, l’m very grateful to the president and everyone at the FIA for the opportunities that I have been given.”

Having served as an FIA steward for a decade and a half, Herbert’s tenure became precarious following the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he faced criticism after critiquing Verstappen’s actions, reports the Express.

Herbert was due to reprise the role again this season, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix in March. As it announced that the three-time F1 race winner would no longer be part of its stewarding pool, the FIA expressed its disappointment that the situation had led to this outcome.

Their 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.”