Jos Verstappen Criticises FIA Official Herbert’s Media Role

Jos Verstappen insists FIA stewards like Johnny Herbert should uphold impartiality by refraining from public commentary on drivers and penalties.

Max Verstappen received two 10-second penalties during last Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix, where former F1 driver Herbert served as one of four stewards at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Herbert offered his candid perspective on Verstappen (available here), stating that while he is “a big fan” of the driver, he believes Max has a “terrible mindset of trying to gain an advantage by pushing another driver off the track.”

Even Max Verstappen has remarked that Herbert’s comments were “quite unusual given his role and supposed impartiality.”

Now, Jos Verstappen has called on Herbert to remain silent and has urged the FIA to enforce stricter media neutrality among its officials.

“I think a steward shouldn’t speak to the press at all and should simply focus on their job, consistently. That’s certainly not the case right now.”

Jos Verstappen also voiced frustration with the inconsistency of FIA decisions, while acknowledging that his son may have overstepped in his battle with Lando Norris in the second incident.

“It depends on the penalties. Sometimes they give five seconds, other times 10 seconds.”

“There needs to be a clear standard, so drivers know the penalty they’ll receive. I thought Max’s second overtake [at Turn 8 in Mexico] was excessive. I believe he thinks so too now.”

“I say this frankly, and I’ve told him as much. I think we must be open and honest.”

Jos remains, however, critical of Red Bull’s struggles with performance in 2024. After Mexico, Verstappen will start the São Paulo Grand Prix—where Herbert is once again a steward—with a five-place grid penalty due to the installation of a new internal combustion engine in his RB20.

“It’s a fact that things are tough at the moment. The team doesn’t know how to get the best out of the car.”

“But it’s good to see Max still fighting for every point; he’s doing really well.”