Herbert removed from FIA steward role after comments

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert's role as FIA steward terminated ahead of 2025 Australian GP amid controversy over his media comments, particularly regarding Max Verstappen.

Herbert removed from FIA steward role after comments
Johnny Herbert

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert's planned return as FIA steward for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled, with motorsport's governing body citing incompatibility between his stewarding duties and media punditry role.

Growing tensions lead to departure

The FIA announced on Wednesday that Herbert, a respected figure in the Formula 1 paddock, would no longer serve as a race steward following increasing scrutiny over his dual roles as both an official and outspoken media commentator.

The 60-year-old's departure comes after a series of controversial statements during the 2024 season, particularly regarding three-time world champion Max Verstappen.

Johnny Herbert-Pitinsider.com
Johnny Herbert

In their official statement, the FIA acknowledged Herbert's contributions while confirming the split:

"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."

Verstappen controversy

The tension reached a critical point following Herbert's criticism of Verstappen's "horrible mindset" after an incident with McLaren's Lando Norris during the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris-Pitinsider.com
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris-Red Bull Content Pool

Jos Verstappen, Max's father, subsequently raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the FIA's steward selection process, specifically mentioning Herbert alongside Tim Mayer, who also recently departed from his FIA role - though Mayer's exit was reportedly unrelated.

Impact on Australian Grand Prix

Herbert had been slated to serve on the four-man stewards' panel for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.

Max Verstappen-Pitinsider.com
Max Verstappen-Red Bull Content Pool

His anticipated return to Albert Park carried particular significance, as it would have marked his first appearance since issuing a controversial penalty to Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso during last year's race.

Prior to his removal, Herbert had expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, telling Casinoutanspelpaus.io:

"There are still going to be incidents [in Australia]. There are still going to be complaints from teams and drivers and we're going to have to deal with that as normal."

Defending professional integrity

In response to earlier criticism from Jos Verstappen, Herbert had strongly defended his ability to separate his roles as steward and pundit.

"As I have always said, 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 explained to SafestBettingSites.co.uk.

"When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions... Is there any bias? No, of course not."
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