Johnny Herbert has responded to his dismissal as a Formula 1 race steward due to his media duties having been deemed “incompatible” with his work for the FIA.
The 60-year-old has held his role with the sport’s governing body since 2010 and has been a media analyst for Sky Sports F1 since 2012 until 2023.
Herbert has been vocal about his opinions on F1 across his time working as an FIA steward, even casting his predictions on the upcoming 2025 campaign last week.
However, by expressing his thoughts, Herbert faced backlash last year for being biased – particularly from Jos Verstappen – and being sympathetic towards certain drivers or teams.
This came amid Herbert’s criticism towards Max Verstappen’s on-track behaviour, though the Briton asserted that he separated his work as a steward from his work as a pundit.
But the FIA has appeared to disagree with that notion and parted with Herbert, who has since released a statement in reaction to the news on his Instagram page.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity of being an FIA Driver Steward and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I have been involved in over the years,” Herbert wrote.
“It is a difficult job and there are tough decisions that have to be made.
“As Stewards, we have and will continue to treat both drivers and team personnel with the utmost respect and remain impartial at all times during all F1 Grand Prix weekends.
“Finally, I’m very grateful to the President and everyone at the FIA for the opportunities I have been given.”
Herbert continues F1 punditry duties
A handful of stewards are selected by the FIA to steward each session and hand out any necessary penalties or reprimands to the drivers and teams if there is a breach of the rules.
At least one steward will be a former driver, but the FIA feels it can no longer work with Herbert in its latest statement.
It read: “It is with regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfil the position of F1 driver steward for the FIA.
“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.”
Whilst his time with the FIA has come to an end, Herbert has found a role as Global Brand Ambassador for Lola Cars, which has returned to racing in Formula E.
READ MORE: FIA drops Johnny Herbert as F1 steward due to ‘incompatible’ media role
