Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner denies that Max Verstappen influenced the FIA’s decision to remove Johnny Herbert from his role as Formula 1 race steward.
The former British racing driver was axed by the sport’s governing body after it deemed his work as a pundit was “incompatible” with his role at the FIA.
Herbert has often shared his opinions on F1 for various media outlets and gambling sites, but he was criticised for his comments last season after the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Verstappen was penalised in Mexico for tangling with Lando Norris twice and the 60-year-old berated him, stating his driving was over the top.
The Dutchman’s father Jos Verstappen hit back after being vexed by his comments – claiming certain former drivers are biased towards certain drivers.
Herbert maintained that he could work as a race steward and give his opinion on certain F1 incidents.
But the FIA disagreed and removed him from his role, which Horner stressed that the Red Bull driver played no part in his exit.
“Firstly, it has absolutely nothing to do with Max but it’s absolutely the right decision,” Horner told Sky Sports at the Autosport Awards.
“You cannot have stewards working in the media.
“You don’t have it in the Premiership [Premier League, football], you don’t have it in any other form of professional sport – it’s totally inappropriate.
“You’re either on the sporting regulatory side or you’re on the media side.
“You can’t have a foot in both camps.”
Herbert shares response to FIA sacking
After only a day since his termination from the governing body, the former Benetton racing driver landed a new role in Formula E as the Global Brand Ambassador for Lola Cars.
Confirming his arrival, Lola released a statement which read: “The 1991 Le Mans victor and three-time Grand Prix winner has joined to bring his expertise to Lola Cars as we look to expand our presence across the highest echelons of motorsport and drive future progress in sustainable motor racing.”
Herbert also provided his reaction to the news on his Instagram page expressing his gratitude for having the chance to officiate in F1.
“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.”
Steward officiating in 2024 was a hot topic as the FIA often faced criticism for the decisions made over a race weekend.
However, after announcing plans for a new department to train up-and-coming stewards, Nikolas Tombazis recently defended the organisation.
He felt that the officiating was of a “pretty consistent” standard in comparison to the thoughts of the drivers and teams.
READ MORE: Christian Horner deserves ‘credit’ for handling of difficult 2024 F1 season at Red Bull
