Herbert Defends FIA’s Move to Curb Verstappen's Outbursts

Johnny Herbert discusses Verstappen’s attitude and the FIA’s stance on maintaining professionalism in driver press conferences.

Johnny Herbert was one of the FIA stewards who penalized Max Verstappen for swearing during a press conference in Singapore. The former F1 driver explained that he wants to maintain a level of politeness in discussions and avoid inappropriate behavior during press events.

“At the Singapore press conference, Max used the F-word about his car. These press conferences are broadcast worldwide. There’s more swearing now than ever before. A press conference is not the place for that,” Herbert explained.

“Some journalists said the sport is trying to turn drivers into robots. That’s not the case. You’re simply asking them not to swear, which seems reasonable to me. Most drivers don’t swear.”

“We had a good, open discussion with Max for about 20 minutes, half an hour, in a difficult situation. You could see on his face that he was very upset. But when he left, he seemed more at ease with the process and its purpose. He didn’t blame us.”

“As stewards, we have a range of tools to sanction drivers. We are there to enforce the rules and make decisions together. We could have fined him, but we felt it would be more beneficial to have him do something socially responsible.”

“It’s up to Max and the FIA to decide what to do. Things escalated afterward because he went to the press conference and gave one-word answers, then held his own impromptu press conference outside in the paddock.”

“That showed Max’s rebellious side. I like that about him; it’s what makes him Max, his honesty and straightforward character, but there’s a time and place. Personally, I think there’s too much swearing. I don’t want my five-year-old grandson hearing that kind of language.”

“Drivers must understand they are role models”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, had explained that drivers are not rappers, a comment that also upset Lewis Hamilton. Johnny Herbert reflects on this statement and explains what prompted Ben Sulayem to make it: “I hope that if Max swears during a press conference at the U.S. Grand Prix, common sense will prevail.”

“It’s important to understand that both parties need to work together. I know the FIA president is not pleased with the coarse language. Drivers understand that it’s not appropriate to swear during a press conference.”

“This is just something that has developed from the president’s initial comment about rappers, which some found offensive, leading to Max being brought before the stewards in Singapore.”

“We had a meeting with the drivers afterward, and at least one of them, whom I won’t name, made it clear that, in their opinion, swearing is unacceptable.”

“There are many young people around the world who love this sport and look up to the drivers. Drivers must understand they are role models. We decided there was an issue to address, if you will. It’s up to Max and the FIA to agree on the penalty and its terms. That part is out of our hands.”