Christian Horner has confirmed that Max Verstappen had nothing to do with the FIA decision to remove Johnny Herbert as a steward. But the Red Bull chief did make clear his opinion that the governing body's decision was the correct one. Herbert has served as a steward for many years but it has been deemed that his media work is "incompatible" with the demands of the referee role. Herbert supplies quotes for several betting sites in which he often gives his opinions about the sport's big talking points, which includes some criticism of drivers. Most notably, he sparked the ire of Verstappen and his father Jos for slamming the Dutchman's driving in Mexico City last year.

The Brit had also been a steward at that same race and was part of the panel that handed Verstappen 20 seconds' worth of penalties. In the aftermath, Jos called for the FIA to review whether there was a conflict of interest between Herbert's stewarding responsibilities and his media work. The FIA has now decided that there is and acted ahead of the new season. Speaking to Sky Sports, Horner made it clear he supports the call but insisted: "Firstly, it has absolutely nothing to do with Max. But it's absolutely the right decision.

"You cannot have stewards working in the media. You don't have it in the Premier League, you don't have it in any other form of professional sport. It's totally inappropriate. You're either on the sporting regulatory side or you're on the media side. You can't have a foot in both camps.". Zak Brown, chief executive of Red Bull's title rival McLaren, believes the current system of rotating stewards being selected from a pool for each event is not fit for purpose and has again called for professional referees to be introduced in F1. He said: "We're in a multi-billion-dollar sport, with a lot on the line.

"Stewarding is not easy. I think you need to have full-time stewards, and they need to be paid. I also think we need to look at the rule book. I think it's a bit too prescriptive, and if you get some stewards in full time, give them a little bit more leniency. They know what's right and wrong.". In a statement released in response to his axing, Herbert said he respected the decision but insisted he had not shown bias in the role. 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, I'm very grateful to the president and everyone at the FIA for the opportunities I have been given.". Catch all the action from Formula One on Sky Sports and get exclusive access to races, qualifying and much more for every Grand Prix. From Max Verstappen to Lewis Hamilton, you won't miss a lap on Sky Sports.