Formula One pundit sacked from second job after criticism from Max Verstappen's father
Formula One pundit sacked from second job after criticism from Max Verstappen's father
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Johnny Herbert has been ousted from his role as an FIA steward, with the governing body hinting at an irreconcilable clash between his media commitments and his officiating duties. The move comes months after Herbert, a former Formula One driver turned pundit, found himself on the receiving end of sharp words from Jos Verstappen following his criticism of son Max Verstappen's driving style in Mexico last year.
![[Herbert was critical of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen during last year's Grand Prix of Mexico]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/29/11/94632123-0-image-a-28_1738150014648.jpg)
Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner, voiced his concerns over Verstappen's aggressive approach after the Dutchman was slapped with a 20-second penalty in October. The world champion's father hit back by declaring: 'I think a steward shouldn't talk to the press at all and just deliver work all the time. And that's certainly not the case now.'.
Three months on, the FIA announced on Wednesday morning that Herbert would no longer be part of the stewarding panel, including for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March. A statement from the governing body 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.
F1 pundit Johnny Herbert, pictured (left) wearing a novelty necklace made of garlic and a beret at the 2018 Grand Prix of France, has lost his job as an FIA steward. Herbert was critical of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen during last year's Grand Prix of Mexico.
