Herbert defends steward integrity amid Verstappen row
F1 steward Herbert responds to Jos Verstappen criticism, defends right to share opinions while maintaining professional integrity in FIA role.
Former F1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has strongly defended his right to express opinions on racing incidents, responding to criticism from Jos Verstappen over his comments about Max Verstappen's driving in Mexico.
Steward-pundit role sparks debate
The controversy ignited after Herbert commented that time penalties given to Max Verstappen in Mexico
"would not stop [him] from pushing Lando Norris off the track in the future."
This drew fierce criticism from Jos Verstappen, who argued that stewards should maintain silence beyond their official duties.
Dual roles defended
Herbert has firmly pushed back against suggestions of bias, drawing clear lines between his different responsibilities in Formula 1.
"I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend and Johnny Herbert a pundit at other times, who expresses what he thinks,"
he explained to SafestBettingSites.co.uk.
"When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions."
The three-time grand prix winner pointed to the broader context of F1 commentary, noting that his position isn't unique.
"Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can't I when I am not at the race track? The race track has been my world for 50 years."
Verstappen family tensions
The situation intensified at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen, facing criticism from multiple quarters including Sky F1's Damon Hill, claimed he had "the wrong passport for this paddock."
Herbert countered Jos Verstappen's criticism by highlighting potential contradictions in the elder Verstappen's own approach to commentary.
"Jos has always been very outspoken about what is happening at Red Bull. Is that his position to be? It is all very similar. If you have an opinion and you want to make it, then you can,"
Herbert observed, while emphasizing his impartiality.
"Is there any bias? No, of course not. I wasn't the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown thought so too."
Future implications
Looking ahead, Herbert offered insights into the developing rivalry between Verstappen and Norris, suggesting that McLaren's rising star will emerge stronger from their battles.
"McLaren will learn for next year and have a stronger mindset. Lando will go into 2025 knowing he can beat Max,"
Herbert concluded, pointing to a potentially more intense championship battle ahead.
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