F1 News
Herbert to remain an FIA steward for the 2025 season
- Ludo van Denderen
Former F1 driver and now FIA steward Johnny Herbert will continue his work for the sports governing body in 2025. The Brit, who has come under fire for some of his controversial decisions, has been designated for a Grand Prix by the FIA.
It may be a coincidence or not, but most of the penalties Verstappen received in Formula 1 last season - for example, swearing during a press conference in Singapore - came from the decision-making of Herbert who, as one of the stewards, determined which penalty the Red Bull Racing driver received.
Besides his work as a steward, Herbert was and is also active as an analyst for several British betting sites. During the interviews he gives, the Brit regularly makes harsh comments about Verstappen's driving style, which, as a steward, he therefore has to judge. Herbert grew in recent months to become the personification of British Bias - where Britons (both in the media and in the stewarding room) are said to favour their compatriots.
Jos Verstappen spoke out about stewards like Herbert
Without mentioning Herbert's name, it was eventually Jos Verstappen who denounced in the media that a Briton should not be able to act as a steward when there are also Britons competing for the world title in Formula 1. Moreover, Verstappen Sr. wondered aloud whether it is ethical for a steward to also give interviews in which he openly criticises drivers.
In any case, the FIA is deaf to complaints from Jos Verstappen and others. The motorsport federation will continue with Herbert as one of the stewards in Formula 1 in 2025. Meanwhile, the Briton has been appointed for the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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