F1 steward Johnny Herbert responds to Jos Verstappen charges

In response to claims made by Jos Verstappen about favoritism, Johnny Herbert has

Formula 1 race steward Johnny Herbert responded angrily to allegations from Jos Verstappen alleging he is biassed against his son Max.

Max Verstappen ran Lando Norris off the road not once but twice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and was punished for it.

Herbert remarked, “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.” He then handed Verstappen twenty seconds worth of time penalties.

“We might still have a lot of fascinating racing right ahead.”

Furious over Herbert’s comments, Jos Verstappen informed Dutch publication De Telegraaf “The FIA should investigate closely the staffing of the stewards, who they assign there, and whether there seems to be any conflict of interest.

“From past drivers, for example, who have more affinity for particular individuals or [teams].”

Following more criticism from Herbert’s fellow Brit Damon Hill, Jos’s son Max also felt offended by the comments directed at him and told Autosport “at the end of the day, I’ve got the wrong passport for this paddock.”

Herbert not by himself in Verstappen criticism

Herbert has argued for his right to an opinion outside of office hours and his professionalism as a steward.

Herbert told SafestBettingSites.co.uk, “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”.

“I express no ideas when I am a steward.

Everybody has ideas. Martin Brundle is opinionated. Why cannot I while I am not at the racecourse?

For fifty years, the racetrack has been my universe. I will say so if I do not quite agree with what I saw on the racecourse. It is more than just Max. If I believe it justified, I will criticize anyone.

From Jos’s point of view, I can see it. It’s his son. Does there seem to be bias? Clearly not, of course. Not only did I believe Max was overreacting in Mexico, but others as well. Zak Brown and Lando Norris felt so.

“Whenever I talk to someone on Monday or Tuesday outside of my stewering duties.”

Herbert also hinted at hypocrisy emanating from Jos Verstappen, who is often vocal on various F1 issues including behind-the-scenes problems at Red Bull earlier in 2024.

“Jos has always been somewhat vocal regarding Red Bull’s operations. Is that his current stance?

“Everything is quite similar. You are free to share your views if you so want.