Johnny Herbert axed as steward by FIA over ‘incompatible’ role as F1 pundit
Johnny Herbert axed as steward by FIA over ‘incompatible’ role as F1 pundit
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Johnny Herbert has left his role as a Formula One driver steward after the FIA said his grand prix work was “incompatible” with his job as a media pundit. Herbert attracted criticism from Max Verstappen’s camp last season for his comments about the Red Bull driver’s performance at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Verstappen picked up a 20-second penalty for forcing McLaren rival Lando Norris off the track twice during the race and Herbert claimed the driving had been “harsh” and “over the top” and felt the Dutchman had a “horrible mindset”. FIA stewards work as unpaid volunteers and a panel of four stewards officiate incidents at F1 meetings.
A statement from the FIA on Wednesday said: “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.”. Herbert worked as a pundit for Sky Sports F1 while he acted as an FIA steward, other than the grands prix where he was acting as an official, although the 60 year old was dropped from the broadcaster’s line-up before the 2023 F1 season.
