Christian Horner has defended his driver, Max Verstappen (Image: Getty)
has rubbished any suggestions that Johnny Herbert’s departure from the was linked to his disagreements with . After news of his exit broke on Wednesday, the team principal praised the governing body’s decision to part ways with the steward.
Herbert was never too far from the headlines during the second half of the season. He regularly commented on matters in the F1 paddock as a pundit, promoting gambling sites with his opinions, although this clashed with his responsibilities as an FIA steward.
The three-time Grand Prix winner was called out by Jos Verstappen, who insisted that his media duties were not compatible with those of a steward. Herbert also angered the camp with his comments about Verstappen Jnr’s swearing in Singapore, sparking a public row.
However, according to Horner, Herbert’s disagreements with the Verstappens had nothing to do with his FIA exit. “Well, firstly, [it was] absolutely nothing to do with Max, but absolutely the right decision,” he told Sky Sports F1.
“You cannot have stewards working in the media. You don’t have it in the Premiership, you don’t have it in any other form of professional sport. It is 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.”
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Johnny Herbert was dropped by the FIA on Wednesday (Image: Getty)
Despite Horner’s claims that Herbert’s media duties were incompatible with FIA stewarding, the former Benetton and Jaguar driver insists he always remained impartial. “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,” he stated.
“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 that I have been given.”
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Fewer than 24 hours after his departure from the FIA was confirmed, Herbert’s new role was announced. The 60-year-old has been appointed as a global brand ambassador for Lola Cars, who entered the Formula E grid ahead of the 2024-25 season opener in Sao Paulo.
“It’s hugely exciting to be involved with an iconic and successful championship-winning marque like Lola,” Herbert said. “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.”