Johnny Herbert and Paul di Resta to leave Sky Sports F1 coverage team

It has been confirmed that Johnny Herbert and Paul di Resta will not be part of Sky Sports' coverage of the Formula 1 this season. The news was confirmed by the broadcaster to Mirror Sport, confirming fans speculation about their future on the coverage team.

Johnny Herbert, a three-time F1 race winner, sparked speculation about his future with Sky Sports when he posted a promotional photo of himself alongside his colleagues on social media with a caption that caught the attention of fans.

He simply wrote, "Going to miss the team." Replies from his Sky colleagues, such as Natalie Pinkham's "Johnny, love you forever" and Rachel Brookes' comment that it "won't be the same" without Herbert, added fuel to the speculation.

Sky Sports confirmed that Herbert will no longer be part of the presenting line-up and also confirmed that former Force India and Williams driver Di Resta will not be included in the team this year.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster said, "Johnny has been an integral part of our Formula 1 team since the very first season on Sky Sports in 2012. We will miss his humor and big personality and thank him for his energy and enthusiasm over the last 11 years.

Everyone wishes him all the best for the future."It is understood that neither Herbert nor Di Resta will be replaced, leaving the confirmed presenting line-up for 2023 as: Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Naomi Schiff, Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, Natalie Pinkham, Ted Kravitz, Danica Patrick, Simon Lazenby, David Croft, and Rachel Brookes.

When asked about his departure, Herbert said, "I have had an amazing journey with Sky Sports F1, and I will miss working with the team. I am excited for the next chapter of my career, and I hope to stay involved in the sport in different ways.

"Di Resta also commented on his departure, saying "I have had an incredible time working with Sky Sports F1, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a talented team.

I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities and continuing to be a part of the F1 community in different ways."While the motorsport community will surely miss Herbert and Di Resta on the Sky Sports coverage, both men have expressed their excitement for the next chapter of their careers.

Herbert has confirmed that he will not be working for Sky Sports this year but has promised fans that he will still be involved in the sport in other ways. He plans to attend Silverstone and the Monaco Grand Prix and is also considering attending Le Mans this year.

He also mentioned that he will be getting involved in karting, not as a racer but as a tester. Di Resta, on the other hand, is also looking forward to explore new opportunities and continuing to be a part of the F1 community in different ways.

The departure of Herbert and Di Resta from the Sky Sports coverage team is undoubtedly a loss for the broadcaster and for fans of the sport.

Both men brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from their time as F1 drivers, and their presence on the coverage team added an extra level of insight and analysis.