Johnny Herbert has been removed from his role as a Formula One steward by the FIA, following concerns over conflicts between his media punditry and officiating duties.
The governing body announced on Wednesday that Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner, would no longer serve on the stewarding panel for the upcoming 2025 season.
The decision means Herbert will not be present for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March, having already been axed
The move follows controversy from late 2024 when Herbert criticised Max Verstappen’s driving style during the Mexican Grand Prix, after which the world champion received a 20-second penalty.
F1 news: Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, hit out at Johnny Herbert back in November
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Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, responded sharply to Herbert’s public comments at the time.
“I think a steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all and just deliver work all the time. And that’s certainly not the case now,” the elder Verstappen declared.
Jos further criticised the inconsistency in penalty decisions during races.
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F1 news: Johnny Herbert won’t be working as an FIA steward in 2025
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“One time they give five seconds, another time 10 seconds. There has to be a line in that, too, so that you know what penalty you’re getting,” he added.
Herbert defended his ability to maintain separate roles in November, stating: “I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend, and Johnny Herbert a pundit at other times who expresses what he thinks.”
He emphasised his impartiality regarding the Mexico incident, noting: “I wasn’t the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown thought so too.”
“The racetrack has been my world for 50 years. If I don’t quite agree with what I see on the racetrack, I will say so,” Herbert added.
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The FIA’s statement expressed regret over Herbert’s departure while acknowledging the incompatibility between his roles.
“Johnny is widely respected and brought invaluable experience and expertise to his role,” the governing body said.
F1 news: Johnny Herbert won three races during his Formula One career
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“However, after discussion, it was mutually agreed that his duties as an FIA steward and that of a media pundit were incompatible.”
The statement concluded: “We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”