Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver and seasoned media pundit, has recently been removed from his role as an FIA driver steward due to conflicts arising from his dual positions. This decision came after Herbert faced criticism for comments he made about Max Verstappen’s driving during the Mexico City Grand Prix last year, leading to a public dispute with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father.
Herbert, a three-time grand prix winner with a storied F1 career driving for teams like Lotus, Benetton, Sauber, and Stewart, transitioned to a media role post-retirement. For over a decade, he graced the screens as part of the Sky Sports F1 coverage team, offering expert analysis and insights to viewers worldwide.
However, Herbert’s involvement as an FIA driver steward, a program that employs former F1 drivers to oversee race incidents and rule infringements, came into question after his public comments regarding Verstappen’s penalties at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Verstappen received two separate 10-second time penalties for his aggressive maneuvers against Lando Norris, prompting Herbert to express doubts about the efficacy of such penalties in deterring future similar actions.
Jos Verstappen, a vocal critic of Herbert’s dual roles, mentioned to Dutch media that a steward’s role should be focused solely on delivering impartial judgments rather than engaging in public commentary. This controversy surrounding Herbert’s statements ultimately led to his removal as an FIA driver steward, as the governing body deemed his media commitments incompatible with his stewarding duties.
Despite Herbert’s indication of a potential return as a driver steward, particularly for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, the FIA announced that he would not be retained in this capacity due to the conflicting nature of his roles. An FIA spokesperson expressed regret over this decision but emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the stewarding process.
Herbert’s dismissal from the FIA stewarding team follows a similar fate faced by Tim Mayer, the organizer of FIA world championships in the United States and a senior steward who was also part of the Mexico City Grand Prix stewarding panel. Mayer disclosed in an interview with the BBC that he was dismissed via text message last year due to a perceived conflict of interest between his organizational role and stewarding responsibilities.
The removal of both Herbert and Mayer sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced in managing the delicate balance between media engagements and regulatory duties within the F1 ecosystem. As the sport continues to evolve and adapt to changing dynamics, the governance and oversight mechanisms must also evolve to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and professionalism.
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where split-second decisions can make or break a race, the role of stewards and their impartiality is crucial in ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. The episode involving Johnny Herbert serves as a poignant reminder of the fine line between personal opinions and official responsibilities in the high-stakes arena of elite motorsport.
