F1 pundit breaks his silence after losing his second job amid Max Verstappen row - and fires parting shot at reigning world champion
F1 pundit breaks his silence after losing his second job amid Max Verstappen row - and fires parting shot at reigning world champion
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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.
![[Herbert's critical comments on Max Verstappen irked the four-time world champion]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/10/94674497-14341737-image-a-52_1738232363608.jpg)
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.
![[Verstappen was hit with a 20-second penalty after running Lando Norris off the track in Mexico]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/10/94674487-14341737-image-a-53_1738232367755.jpg)
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.
![[Herbert (centre) also worked for Sky Sports before being dropped in 2023]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/10/94674477-14341737-image-a-54_1738232396159.jpg)
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.
![[His media work is believed to have irritated Verstappen and his father, Jos (right)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/10/94674507-14341737-image-a-55_1738232402414.jpg)
