Johnny Herbert Responds to His Sacking from FIA
Former Formula 1 driver and race steward Johnny Herbert has spoken out against the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) following his recent dismissal. Herbert, a respected figure in the motorsport community, was dropped from his role as an F1 steward just one month ago. The FIA justified this decision by stating that his duties as a steward and his role as a media pundit were incompatible. This decision came as a surprise to many, especially since Herbert had been performing his duties admirably throughout the 2024 season, and had even been informed that his position was secure for the following year. The backdrop to this decision was a heated controversy during last year’s Mexico Grand Prix, where world champion Max Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for incidents with Lando Norris, a decision that Herbert was part of.
Controversial Incidents and Post-Event Fallout
The Mexico Grand Prix incident was a pivotal moment that ignited a storm of criticism and accusations. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, openly accused the FIA of staffing stewards with a potential conflict of interest, suggesting that there was a bias against his son. These accusations were not new but gained significant traction due to the high-profile nature of the penalties. In an interview with CasinoApps.com, Herbert addressed these claims, emphasizing that the decision to sack him did not originate from within the FIA. Instead, he believes that "certain people" influenced FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to make the decision. Herbert stated, "Everything I’d done all year long in 2024 had been discussed and accepted. Two days before I was eventually given the sack over the phone, I’d been told all was good for 2025. Then it wasn’t."
A Question of Bias
The notion of bias has been a recurring theme in Herbert’s defense. He finds it absurd that his nationality, being British, should preclude him from supporting British drivers impartially. Herbert said, "The Verstappens keep intimating there’s a bias. I keep reading about the supposed bias. I read that and then wonder, ‘so I can’t support a British driver because I’m British?’ I can’t support Lewis or George or Lando. It’s ridiculous." This sentiment underscores the frustration he feels at the public perception and the selectively applied standards of fairness. He also pointed out that such accusations are not reciprocated, noting, "But coming the other way is fine apparently as was the case in what happened with me. If you’re a Dutchman, you can sort of have a go at the Brits and say the Brits have got no real morals for how they are as race fans. It’s supposed to go both ways isn’t it."
Herbert’s Stance on the Decision
Despite the initial shock and disappointment, Herbert has come to terms with his parting ways from the FIA. He acknowledged, "I’m absolutely fine with [parting ways with the FIA]. It was upsetting at the time because I enjoyed it, and I felt that I was doing the best job and with no bias towards anybody." This statement reflects his professional integrity and the pride he took in his role as a steward. Herbert’s experience and dedication to fair and impartial decision-making are evident, and his removal from the position has left many questioning the FIA’s motives and the overall fairness of the process.
FIA’s Controlling Approach
Herbert’s criticism extends beyond his personal situation to the broader changes within the FIA. He noted a shift towards a more controlling and heavy-handed approach, citing the recent demand for non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) from members of the World Motor Sport Council. British duo Robert Reid and David Richards were barred from a meeting after refusing to sign these NDAs. Herbert said, "The FIA are more controlling than before and now have a heavy-handed way of dealing with things. There does seem to be a more controlling factor coming into play." This observation highlights a growing concern within the motorsport community about the FIA’s management style and the potential impact on transparency and openness in the sport.
A Broader Impact on the Community
David Richards, a veteran in the motorsport industry and current head of Motorsport UK, has been a prominent figure in the FIA for many decades. His refusal to sign the NDA and subsequent exclusion from the meeting have sparked discussions about the FIA’s governance and the rights of its members. Herbert’s comments add weight to these concerns, suggesting that the FIA’s recent actions are indicative of a more authoritative and less collaborative approach. This heavy-handedness, if continued, could undermine the trust and cooperation essential for the smooth functioning of Formula 1 and other motorsport disciplines. As Herbert put it, "Signing an NDA and confidentiality agreements is not the norm, but it’s becoming the norm. There definitely seems to be a more heavy-handed way of dealing with things now." The motorsport community will be watching closely to see how the FIA responds to these criticisms and whether it will make efforts to restore a more balanced and transparent environment.
