Johnny Herbert has been announced as a Global Brand Ambassador for Lola Cars, just one day after being dropped as a Formula 1 race steward by the FIA.
The former F1 driver and TV pundit “mutually agreed” with the FIA that his role was no longer “compatible” with his media duties, ending his 15-year tenure as on of its driver stewards.
But Herbert has found a new position at the famed British manufacturer, which is now taking its first steps back into top level motorsport with entry in the all-electric Formula E championship.
Whispers about Herbert’s involvement with the brand had already begun, having been present at the shakedown of its GEN3 Evo FE challenger – the T001 – last year.
In a statement, Herbert said it is “hugely exciting” to be part of brand, adding: “Lola has always been a big part of the motorsport world and, having grown up with Lolas around me in Formula Ford, sportscars and F1, joining the team for this next chapter feels like the perfect fit.
“I look forward to working with Lola and its partners, opening doors for the brand and helping contribute not only to the renewed success of such a storied name, but to the sustainable future of top tier motorsport as well.”
Lola’s Chairman Till Bechtolsheimer said: “The addition of a driver like Johnny to the Lola team is a real landmark moment for me.
“Having witnessed numerous displays of his talent and sportsmanship throughout his career, I am thrilled to get the opportunity to work alongside him.
“He is not only an ideal ambassador for everything that Lola stands for, but his wealth of experience will be a priceless resource for our present and future drivers.”
Lola role a new string to Herbert’s illustrious motorsport bow
Johnny Herbert raced in F1 between 1989 and 2000, a remarkable achievement in itself, having nearly lost both feet in a horrific Formula 3000 accident at Brands Hatch just months before his debut.
Despite being the only F1 driver in history to qualify for a disabled parking badge, Herbert utilised all his talent to make a success of his career, winning three Grands Prix, the first coming in-front of his home fans at Silverstone in 1995.
Herbert also has one of motorsport’s most prestigious feats to his name – victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours, which he took in 1991 for Mazda.
After retiring from racing, Herbert became a TV analyst with Sky Sports F1, a role he held up until 2023, and continues to provide comment for various outlets.
Despite his longstanding position within the FIA now gone, Herbert is regarded as a highly-respected figure in British motor racing, and joining forces with such an iconic brand such as Lola seems like the ideal fit.
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