Amidst controversy regarding stewarding standards and reigning world champion Max Verstappen calling into question the objectivity of the British media, driver-turned-FIA-steward Johnny Herbert has hit back at claims from Jos Verstappen that he holds strong bias against his son. The Brit insisted that he is allowed to express his opinions on the Red Bull driver’s on-track conduct as a response to the accusations made by the Dutchman’s father, Jos.
The two former F1 drivers have locked horns in a public dispute after Herbert shared some sharp remarks about Max Verstappen’s sportsmanship at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The 27-year-old was penalised 20 seconds in total for gaining an advantage by leaving the track and for forcing Lando Norris off the track during the race.
Herbert, who was one of the FIA stewards at the Mexico City Grand Prix, spoke to Action Network and expressed his doubts about the time penalties keeping the Dutch driver’s questionable wheel-to-wheel racing in check.
“Those penalties in Mexico won’t stop him [Max Verstappen] from pushing Lando Norris off the track in the future.
“I don’t see Verstappen’s driving changing because the number one goal is to stop Norris from closing the gap for the drivers’ championship.
“Verstappen’s driving style was harsh, especially when he’s taking a fellow driver off the track. It’s an absolute no-no from me, current drivers, former drivers and stewards.”
Jos Verstappen took offence to Herbert’s sharp criticism and proclaimed that the FIA should strive to uphold transparency and impartiality when it comes to the appointment of the stewards.
“A steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all and just deliver work all the time,” he told the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
“The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest.
“From former drivers, for example, who have more sympathy for certain drivers or [teams].”
The pointed back-and-forth continued in Brazil when Max Verstappen responded to former world champion and Sky Sports F1 pundit Damon Hill’s scathing criticism of his manoeuvres on Norris in Mexico City.
Speaking in Brazil, the three-time world champion didn’t hold back and claimed that he is particularly portrayed in a negative light by the media because of his nationality.
“Last year was perfect, so it must have hurt a lot for many people that they couldn’t say anything negative.
“Now they’ve got the chance to say something, so they’re all coming out of the woodwork. At the end of the day, I’ve got the wrong passport for this paddock.”
However, Herbert, who was appointed as an FIA race steward again in São Paulo last weekend, defended his integrity and asserted that he has the right to express his point of view outside of office hours.
“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,” the 60-year-old told SafestBettingSites.co.uk.
“When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions.
“Everyone has an opinion. [Sky Sports F1’s] 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. If I don’t quite agree with what I see on the race track I will say so. It is not just Max. I’ll criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted.
“I understand it from Jos’s [Verstappen] point of view because it is his son. 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 [McLaren boss] Zak Brown thought so too.
“When I do speak to people on a Monday or Tuesday that is outside my stewarding responsibilities.”
Herbert also implied that Jos Verstappen’s stance is hypocritical since he has been outspoken in his criticism of several affairs in Formula 1, including the behind-the-scenes controversy at Red Bull involving the team principal earlier this year.
“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.”
Following Verstappen’s terrific charge from P17 to the top step of the podium in Brazil that has practically sealed the fate of the championship this season, Herbert also commented that McLaren and Norris will learn from this title fight and be better equipped to challenge the Red Bull driver in 2025.
“McLaren and Lando missed out on seven points in Hungary because they let [Oscar] Piastri win and it’s those things they need to be conscious of going into next season.
“Will they lose the championship this year? No, because they were always on catch-up. They could have got more points, but that is racing. Max had the clear lead and then didn’t win after June.
“McLaren will learn for next year and have a stronger mindset. Lando will go into 2025 knowing he can beat Max.”
