Johnny Herbert has been dropped as an F1 steward by the FIA due to the “incompatibility” of his dual role as an official and media pundit.
Former F1 driver Herbert was critical of Max Verstappen’s driving style in Mexico last year, when the four-time world champion received a 20-second penalty, prompting father Jos to rebuke: “I think a steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all.”
Herbert, 60, revealed this week that he was set to be a steward for the season-opening race in Australia on 16 March.
However, in a shock statement, the FIA stated on Wednesday morning that Herbert would no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward in Melbourne and beyond.
An FIA statement read: “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.
“We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Herbert released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night, saying he was “grateful” for the opportunity to be a steward.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I have been involved in over the years,” he said. “It is a difficult job and there are tough decisions that have to be made.”
When criticised by the Verstappens last year, Herbert fired back and maintained his views as a pundit could be separated from his rulings as a steward.
“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,” Herbert said, in November.
“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?
“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. It is not just Max. I’ll criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted.
“I understand it from Jos’s point of view because it is his son. Is there any bias? No, of course not.
“I wasn’t the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown thought so too.”
Herbert has given his views on F1 via various affiliations since his decade-long time as a pundit for Sky Sports F1 ended after the 2022 season.
The 24-race 2025 F1 season starts on 16 March, with a 10-team season launch event taking place at the O2 Arena in London on 18 February.
