FIA Sack Race Steward Johnny Herbert Due To ‘Incompatibility’

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has been dismissed from his role as an FIA steward due to a conflict of interest arising from his dual responsibilities as a steward and a media pundit. The decision comes after Herbert criticized Max Verstappen’s driving style last year in Mexico, where the reigning world champion received a 20-second penalty. Verstappen’s father, Jos, took issue with Herbert’s comments, stating, “I think a steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all.”

Herbert, aged 60, had recently revealed his upcoming assignment as a steward for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16. However, in a surprising turn of events, the FIA released a statement on Wednesday morning announcing that Herbert would no longer be serving as an F1 driver steward in Melbourne or any future races.

The FIA’s 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.”