Johnny Herbert Fires Back at Verstappen Over Bias Accusations

Herbert defends himself against bias accusations, calling them “ridiculous” while reigniting tensions with Max and Jos Verstappen.

Johnny Herbert has spoken out about his dismissal from the FIA, where he served as a race steward. The former driver explained that he already had a role lined up for 2025, but certain individuals spoke negatively about him to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, which ultimately led to his removal.

“At first, this didn’t come from the FIA,” Herbert stated. “It was internal gossip within the FIA that made them change their stance. Everything I had done throughout 2024 had been discussed and approved. Just two days before I was finally dismissed over the phone, I was told everything was set for 2025.”

“Then, that was no longer the case. I understand how things unfolded. But I’m not going to point fingers. However, as I said, certain people spoke to the FIA President, and that’s why he ultimately decided to get rid of me.”

The Briton is frustrated at being accused of bias in his decisions based on drivers’ nationalities: “It upset me at the time because I loved my job and felt I was doing the best job possible, without any prejudice against anyone.”

“I had rules and guidelines to follow, not alone, but alongside three other FIA stewards. I don’t think I did anything to favor anyone. I only did what I felt was necessary—whether it was Lewis [Hamilton], Max [Verstappen], Lando [Norris], or any other driver on the grid.”

“I held no resentment against any of these drivers to make a decision like, ‘Well, I don’t like him, so I’ll give him a penalty just because.’ That’s not how it works, and it never will be.”

“That’s when I felt I was being ridiculously accused of bias. But that’s where the constant talk about British bias comes in—for one reason or another—and I don’t understand it.”

The former driver then directly targeted Max and Jos Verstappen, with whom he has clashed in the past: “The Verstappens keep insisting there is bias. I keep reading things about this supposed favoritism.”

“I read that and then I wonder: ‘So I can’t support a British driver because I’m British?’ I can’t support Lewis or George [Russell] or Lando. It’s ridiculous. But apparently, the opposite is completely acceptable, as was the case with me.”

“If you’re Dutch, you can somehow take aim at the British and claim they lack integrity in how they behave as racing fans. It’s supposed to go both ways, isn’t it?”