The FIA’s decision to remove Johnny Herbert as a race steward has sparked controversy, but Red Bull team principal Christian Horner insists Max Verstappen played no role in the decision.
Herbert, a former British racing driver turned FIA steward, was axed by the governing body after it deemed that his work as a media pundit and gambling site contributor was “incompatible” with his role officiating Formula 1 races.
However, speculation ran wild after Herbert was highly critical of Verstappen following the Mexico City Grand Prix, where the Dutchman was penalized twice for on-track clashes with Lando Norris.
Horner: “It’s the Right Decision”
Speaking to Sky Sports at the Autosport Awards, Horner shut down any theories that Verstappen influenced the FIA’s decision.
“Firstly, it has absolutely nothing to do with Max, but it’s absolutely the right decision,” Horner said.
Horner emphasized that allowing a race steward to simultaneously work in the media creates a conflict of interest—something he believes is inappropriate in professional sports.
“You cannot have stewards working in the media. You don’t have it in the Premiership [Premier League, football], 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.”
The Verstappen Controversy: Did Herbert’s Comments Cost Him?
Herbert’s removal came months after he harshly criticized Verstappen for his driving in Mexico, calling it “over the top.”
This sparked a public feud with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, who accused former drivers like Herbert of bias against certain racers.
While the FIA cited media conflicts as the reason for Herbert’s dismissal, many suspect that his outspoken opinions—particularly regarding Verstappen—contributed to the decision.
Johnny Herbert Lands New Role in Formula E
Herbert wasted no time bouncing back from his FIA exit. Just one day after his removal, he was announced as the Global Brand Ambassador for Lola Cars in Formula E.
A statement from Lola Cars confirmed his new role:
“The 1991 Le Mans victor and three-time Grand Prix winner has joined to bring his expertise to Lola Cars as we look to expand our presence across the highest echelons of motorsport and drive future progress in sustainable motor racing.”
Herbert himself responded to the news with a gracious farewell message to the FIA, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a race steward.
“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,” Herbert wrote.
“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.”
FIA Officiating Under Fire—Is Change Coming?
The FIA’s officiating has been under intense scrutiny in recent seasons, with drivers and teams frequently criticizing inconsistent decisions.
In response, Nikolas Tombazis recently announced plans for a new department to train up-and-coming stewards, though he defended the current system, claiming the officiating in 2024 was “pretty consistent.”
However, with Herbert’s departure, the debate over steward impartiality and transparency is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
What’s Next?
- Will the FIA’s decision set a precedent, barring all media personalities from officiating roles?
- Is Verstappen’s influence truly unrelated, or was this a silent response to previous criticism?
- With Herbert out, will the FIA implement stricter stewarding policies to avoid future controversies?
