Ex-Sky F1 pundit and steward Johnny Herbert has recently countered what he describes as “absolutely ludicrous” allegations of national prejudice. These claims have been levelled against him following his exit from his position as an FIA steward. Herbert argues that both he and Sky F1 have inadvertently become embroiled in the ongoing dispute over perceived ‘British bias’ in the sport.
Herbert, who boasts three Grand Prix victories, had been a regular commentator on Sky F1 since it acquired live broadcasting rights for the sport in the UK and Ireland in 2012. Despite leaving his role in Sky F1 ahead of the 2023 season, Herbert remained a fixture in the F1 world, continuing his punditry work even after his departure from the broadcasting giant. However, this dual role was deemed “incompatible” by the FIA, leading to his removal from the roster of available stewards for F1 2025.
This decision by the governing body followed a 2024 season wherein Herbert faced criticism for his remarks on four-time World Champion Max Verstappen and 1996 champion Damon Hill, who also left his Sky F1 punditry role after the season. These incidents have contributed to the ongoing ‘British bias’ controversy in the media, a topic that Verstappen has frequently referred to, even suggesting that his nationality may be a disadvantage in the F1 paddock.
In a conversation with CasinoApps.com, Herbert addressed these allegations, expressing frustration at the insinuations of bias from Max and his father Jos Verstappen. He questioned the logic behind the accusations, rhetorically asking if his British nationality should prevent him from supporting British drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, or Lando Norris.
Herbert vehemently denies that his support for British drivers influenced his judgments as a steward. He highlights that his decisions were always made in collaboration with three other FIA stewards, thereby diluting any potential personal bias.
The former Grand Prix winner also defended Sky F1, which he believes has been unjustly implicated in the ‘British bias’ debate. He argues that as a British broadcaster, it’s natural for Sky F1 to favor home-country drivers.
Damon Hill, however, insists that neither he nor Sky F1 have ever demonstrated any bias. He accuses Verstappen’s Red Bull team of unjustly leveraging the ‘British bias’ narrative against the broadcaster.
Sky F1’s reputation as an impartial broadcaster has also been endorsed by Martin Brundle, who, during an appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, denied accusations of favoritism towards British drivers. Brundle emphasized that despite being a British broadcaster with a primary British audience, Sky F1 maintains a balanced perspective on all drivers and teams, regardless of nationality.
In conclusion, while the debate around ‘British bias’ continues, figures such as Herbert and Hill remain adamant in their denial of any such prejudice in their work. Both individuals maintain that their opinions and judgments are based solely on merit, not nationality.
