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Christian Horner Clears the Air on FIA Steward Firing: No Pressure from Max Verstappen

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
February 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Christian Horner hints at Max Verstappen’s shocking F1 exit: Is the Dutchman ready to swap Red Bull for GT racing?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks to Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411230234 // Usage for editorial use only //

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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has put an end to speculation regarding the FIA’s removal of Johnny Herbert as an F1 steward, firmly stating that the decision was not influenced by reigning World Champion Max Verstappen.

“It has absolutely nothing to do with Max. But it’s absolutely the right decision.”

Horner’s remarks come in response to rumors suggesting that Verstappen or Red Bull may have pressured the FIA into removing Herbert due to previous controversial rulings. However, Horner emphasized that the decision was solely based on the FIA’s internal regulations regarding conflicts of interest between stewarding and media work.


Why Was Johnny Herbert Removed?

The FIA ruled that Herbert’s ongoing media activities were incompatible with his role as an F1 steward, leading to his dismissal.

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“You cannot have stewards working in the media. You don’t have it in the Premiership, 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 … You can’t have a foot in both.”

Herbert, a former F1 driver and now a Sky Sports pundit, has been openly critical of certain teams, drivers, and the FIA itself—a stance that the governing body seemingly deemed problematic for someone tasked with making impartial race decisions.


Johnny Herbert Responds to FIA’s Decision

Despite being dismissed, Herbert took the high road, expressing gratitude for his tenure as an FIA steward and acknowledging the challenges of the role.

“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. It is a difficult job, and there are tough decisions that have to be made.”

Herbert also underscored the importance of stewards maintaining neutrality, insisting that officials must always act with the utmost respect and impartiality when dealing with teams and drivers.


A Step Toward More Transparency in F1?

The FIA’s decision highlights an ongoing push for greater transparency and professionalism in F1 stewarding. Over the years, inconsistencies in race officiating have led to fan frustration and accusations of bias.

With this move, the FIA appears to be taking a firmer stance to ensure that stewards remain completely neutral—something that drivers and teams have long demanded.

The bigger question remains: Will this decision improve race officiating in 2025, or is it just another controversial shake-up within the FIA?

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