Johnny Herbert, a seasoned Formula 1 figure with a 15-year tenure as a driver steward, has been released from his duties by the FIA, the sport’s governing body. This decision, effective from the 2025 season onwards, stems from what the FIA deems an “incompatible” duality of roles: Herbert’s steward position and his concurrent work as a media pundit. While acknowledging Herbert’s respected status within the sport and the invaluable experience he brought to the stewards’ panel, the FIA determined that his media commentary, often including strong opinions about drivers and on-track incidents, could create a conflict of interest with his objective responsibilities as a steward. This move underscores the FIA’s commitment to maintaining impartiality and avoiding any perception of bias within its officiating body.
The catalyst for this decision traces back to the Mexican Grand Prix in 2024. Herbert, as part of the four-person stewarding team, played a role in penalizing two-time World Champion Max Verstappen twice for on-track clashes with Lando Norris. Following the race, Herbert, in his capacity as a media pundit, criticized Verstappen’s driving style and mindset, describing it as “horrible” in a column for a betting website. These comments sparked considerable controversy, particularly within Verstappen’s camp. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and a prominent voice in the F1 paddock, publicly questioned the propriety of stewards holding simultaneous media roles where they could express potentially biased opinions. He called upon the FIA to scrutinize the steward selection process and address the potential for conflicts of interest.
Herbert defended his right to free speech, emphasizing that his media opinions were independent of his stewarding duties and that many other former drivers, like Martin Brundle, also offer commentary. He maintained that his criticisms were directed at driving standards, not at individuals, and applied equally to all drivers, not just Verstappen. However, the FIA’s decision ultimately reflects their prioritization of avoiding even the appearance of bias, recognizing the potential for such public pronouncements to undermine the perceived neutrality of their officials.
The FIA’s statement expresses regret at parting ways with Herbert, acknowledging his contributions to the sport. They emphasize that the decision was reached mutually after discussions between both parties, recognizing the inherent tension between his dual roles. While Herbert maintained a separation between his stewarding responsibilities and media work, the FIA concluded that the potential for conflicting perceptions, particularly after the Verstappen incident, outweighed the benefits of retaining his experience on the stewards’ panel.
The vacancy created by Herbert’s departure necessitates the appointment of a new driver steward before the start of the 2025 season. The FIA will be seeking a candidate with extensive racing experience and a thorough understanding of F1’s complex regulations, but who will also likely abstain from, or exercise significant restraint in, offering public opinions on ongoing F1 matters. This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by stewards and the need for impeccable neutrality in their decision-making, particularly in a sport as intensely competitive and publicly scrutinized as Formula 1.
This incident also highlights the evolving media landscape surrounding Formula 1. With the increasing prominence of social media and online platforms, the lines between journalism, punditry, and personal opinion often blur. The FIA’s decision to remove Herbert from his stewarding role demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards of impartiality within its officiating body. It also sends a clear message to other individuals holding dual roles within the sport, highlighting the potential consequences of expressing strong opinions that could be perceived as biased, regardless of intent. The search for Herbert’s replacement will likely focus on candidates with impeccable credentials and a demonstrated ability to remain neutral in their public pronouncements.