Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has officially cut ties with ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert, declaring that his dual role as a steward and media pundit is “incompatible.” The move follows growing controversy surrounding his outspoken opinions, particularly his criticism of Max Verstappen while simultaneously serving as an FIA steward during race weekends.
The decision comes after a wave of backlash from the Verstappen camp, including Verstappen himself and his father, Jos, who suggested that some stewards had “more sympathy for certain drivers” over his son.
The End of an Era: Herbert’s Long Stewardship Role
Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner and Le Mans 24 Hours champion, had been one of the first drivers introduced as part of the FIA’s ‘driver steward’ initiative in 2010—a system designed to provide an experienced racer’s perspective in key penalty decisions.
His deep knowledge of racing and years in F1 made him a respected voice, but his high-profile media presence—including a decade-long stint as a Sky Sports F1 pundit (2012-2022)—began to create tension within the paddock.
Herbert vs. Verstappen: The Breaking Point
The tipping point came in 2024, when Herbert, still an active FIA steward, made critical remarks about Max Verstappen in his media work. The Red Bull camp was furious, with Max himself calling Herbert’s comments “abnormal” and Jos Verstappen hinting at bias within the stewarding panel.
Herbert defended himself, insisting that he could separate his stewarding role from his media opinions, stating:
“I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend, and Johnny Herbert the pundit at other times who expresses what he thinks.”
However, this did little to quell the growing controversy, and as his media comments continued to make headlines, his future as an FIA steward became untenable.
The FIA’s Official Statement
On Wednesday, the FIA confirmed Herbert’s departure in a statement:
“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.”
What’s Next for Herbert and FIA Stewarding?
With Herbert now out, the FIA will need to replace one of its most experienced stewards—potentially with another ex-driver. Meanwhile, Herbert remains a strong presence in motorsport media and will likely continue sharing his unfiltered opinions—this time without FIA limitations.
However, this incident raises bigger questions about F1’s stewarding neutrality and whether other active pundits should also be restricted from stewarding roles.
One thing is clear: Max Verstappen’s influence within F1 politics is stronger than ever—and Herbert is just the latest casualty of the reigning champion’s growing power.
