FIA blames Johnny Herbert’s F1 punditry for steward role axe

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert will no longer serve as a Steward after parting ways with the FIA before the start of the 2025 season.

FIA blames Johnny Herbert’s F1 punditry for steward role axe

Johnny Herbert (via Super Sport)

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert played a pivotal role as race steward for the FIA last season. However, the Briton would often make some controversial remarks over drivers such as Max Verstappen. Now, the sports governing body has parted ways with the 60-year-old due to such comments.

The FIA announced that the two parties had mutually agreed for Herbert to exit his role as F1 steward. The sports governing body emphasized that the Briton brought invaluable expertise to race control. Though, his comments as an F1 pundit were deemed to be incompatible for being a race steward.

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.

FIA wrote on X
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Johnny Herbert has continued to make some interesting statements in recent weeks, including some hot takes on Verstappen and Lando Norris. Last year, Max Verstappen‘s father Jos Verstappen had hit out at Herbert being a steward as a former F1 driver.

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Johnny Herbert defends his F1 punditry

The former F1 driver has continued to defend his comments in the media. The Briton had stated that everyone in the paddock has an opinion. As such, Herbert believed that it was not wrong for him to speak his mind when he was not serving as a steward for the FIA. He even pointed out at F1 presenter Martin Brundle to draw a comparison.

Johnny Herbert
Johnny Herbert (via PlanetF1)

When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions. Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the racetrack?

Johnny Herbert told SafestBettingSites.co.uk

Johnny Herbert might have agreed to leave his role with the FIA. However, the Briton might not be so thrilled about the situation. The silver lining for the 60-year-old is that he now has a free hand to express his opinions without the fear of facing backlash from figures within the paddock.