- Johnny Herbert was withdrawn from his role due to his 'incompatibale' media work
- Herbert, 60, was ready to repeat his position for the Australian Grand Prix this year
- In a statement, he insisted that he never let the bias play a role in his decision making
F1 expert Johnny Herbert has broken his silence after being retired as administrator for the next season, insisting that he did not let the bias affect his decision making.
Herbert, 60, was withdrawn from his role this week after he agreed to each other that his media work was “incompatible” with his responsibilities for FIA.
Last season, the world champion Max Verstappen complained that certain people in sport were “biased” against him, and he believes he referred to Herbert.
Herbert, who worked for Sky Sports before being withdrawn in 2023, was on the butleram twice.
He then said that Dutch driving had been “hard” and “exaggerated” and also pointed to his “horrible mentality”, all comments that irritated Verstappen.
Herbert was ready to repeat the role this year, starting with the Australian Grand Prix in March, but his work with websites of bets, which sees him share his opinions on controversies in F1, moved anger in the paddock.
Pundit F1 Johnny Herbert has broken his silence after being retired as a butler
Herbert's critical comments about Max Verstappen irritated the four times world champion
Verstappen was beaten with a penalty of 20 seconds after taking out Lando Norris out of the track in Mexico
The news of his departure was confirmed by the FIA on Wednesday morning and Herbert issued a statement that apparently acted as a farewell opportunity in Verstappen.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a FIA driver administrator and I have really enjoyed the role in which I have been involved over the years,” said Herbert. 'It is a difficult job and there are difficult decisions that must be made.
'As butlers, we have and continue treating both drivers and team staff with the greatest respect and remain impartial at all times during all weekends of the Grand Prix.
“Finally, I am very grateful to the president already in the FIA for the opportunities they have given me.”
The FIA statement said: 'With regret that we announce today that Johnny Herbert will no longer fulfill the position of F1 Driver Steward for the FIA. Johnny is widely respected and contributed invaluable experience and experience to his role.
'However, after the discussion, he agreed to mutually that his duties as administrator of the FIA and those of an expert in the media were incompatible. We thank you for your service and wish you the best in your future efforts.
Speaking after Verstappen finished sixth in Mexico despite its time penalties, Herbert signed up for the champion's unrestricted approach on the track.
“Verstappen's driving style was hard,” Herbert told Action Network. 'Especially when you get a fellow driver from the track.
Herbert (center) also worked for Sky Sports before being abandoned in 2023
It is believed that his work in the media irritated Verstappen and his father, Jos (right)
'It is an absolute not-not on my part, current drivers, ancient drivers and butlers.
'I am a great admirer of Verstappen and frustrates me massively when he drives as he did in Mexico.
'You don't need to do it, it is so good in the cabin and at this point in the championship, you just need to stay out of trouble and drive as much as possible.
'When Verstappen enters this horrible mentality of trying to get an advantage taking a pilot partner from the racing track so that Ferrari can obtain one and two, that is where Verstappen needs to know that he does not have to do that.
“He only wins as a clean way possible.