Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver and sports commentator, recently spoke about the flood of death threats he received on social media after his participation as a steward during the Australian Grand Prix. The threats arose as a result of a decision that resulted in a penalty for Fernando Alonso, which generated a lot of online backlash.
During the event in Melbourne, Alonso received an additional 20-second penalty after being involved in an accident with George Russell. As a member of the steward panel, Herbert became the target of intense criticism and threats from dissatisfied fans with the decision.
Herbert described the consequences of the decision as particularly severe, stating: “I was a steward at the Melbourne GP and the consequences were terrible. I received a flood of death threats on social media, but fortunately I have a strong mind. It’s pathetic that I was blamed for the decision.”
The abuse faced by Herbert was not limited to this incident, but stemmed from previous public exchanges with Alonso, mainly when Alonso confronted Herbert live on television. This exchange originated from a comment Herbert made while working for Sky, suggesting that Alonso should leave McLaren if he was unhappy with the team’s performance. Alonso’s response on air, combined with his status as a world champion, seemed to further fuel the animosity of his supporters towards Herbert after the penalty decision.
Herbert revealed: “There were messages with dagger emojis at the bottom of the screen, people threatening to come to my house. Most of them were Spanish.” He reflected on the intense and sometimes scary messages he received.
Despite the suffering, Herbert remains unwavering in his role as commissioner, considering it part of the challenges that come with the job. However, he expressed concern about the prevalence of harassment targeted at sports officials and athletes, criticizing social media platforms for their lack of effective action against online abuse. “This has not discouraged me from being a commissioner. Unfortunately, it is part of the job,” he stated.
Herbert’s experiences shed light on a significant issue in digital interactions between fans and the personal security of public figures. He concluded by calling for stricter measures against online harassment and emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility and take action to prevent such abuses. The ongoing threats highlight a disturbing trend that affects not only celebrities, but also individuals in various sectors facing similar challenges.
