Last Updated on January 31 2025, 2:24 pm
Horner dismisses speculation over Verstappen’s role in Herbert’s departure saying that Max “had nothing to do with it” ” – Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has backed the FIA’s decision to sack former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert from his role as an official steward.
Dismissing speculation that Max Verstappen or Red Bull played a role in Herbert’s departure, Horner described the move as “absolutely the right decision” and stressed the incompatibility of a steward working as a media analyst.
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The FIA officially announced this week that Johnny Herbert will no longer act as a steward at Formula One races. The governing body presented the decision as a “joint” decision, although many in the paddock remain sceptical about the true nature of Herbert’s departure.
The FIA cited the fundamental issue of Herbert’s dual role – as a steward responsible for enforcing the rules of the race, and as a television commentator publicly commenting on the sport’s most controversial moments.
The statement reiterated that the two roles were “incompatible”, effectively making it clear that Herbert’s media work had led to his dismissal from stewarding duties.
The move has reignited the debate about impartiality in Formula One stewardship and whether external influences, including pressure from teams, played a role in the decision.
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Did Verstappen and Red Bull influence the decision?
Herbert’s dismissal has sparked speculation as to whether Red Bull and Max Verstappen were involved in any way. The former British driver has been an outspoken critic of Verstappen, notably questioning the Dutchman’s aggressive driving style after last year’s Mexican Grand Prix. This prompted a fierce response from Verstappen’s camp, which led to tensions between Herbert and the reigning world champion’s supporters.
In light of these past exchanges, some have questioned whether Red Bull have used their influence to force Herbert out. However, Horner was quick to quash such rumours.
“First of all, Max had absolutely nothing to do with it,” Horner said in an interview with *Sky Sports*. He made it clear that neither Verstappen nor Red Bull had interfered with FIA matters regarding the selection of stewards.
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Horner: “A steward cannot work for the media”
While the FIA’s decision remains controversial, Horner fully supported the governing body’s stance and stressed the importance of maintaining impartiality among stewards.
“It was absolutely the right decision,” said Horner. “The stewards cannot be working for the media. It doesn’t happen in any other sport. It’s totally inappropriate.”
Horner went on to explain the inherent conflict of interest in allowing a steward to also be a media personality.
“You’re either a rule enforcer or a member of the media. You can’t have your feet in both camps,” he insisted.
His stance is in line with the wider argument that F1 stewards must remain neutral and free from outside influences, including media bias. The perception of impartiality is crucial in a sport where even the smallest decisions can have major championship implications.
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McLaren’s Zak Brown also questions dual roles
Horner is not alone in his criticism of the FIA’s decision to allow stewards to hold dual roles. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has also weighed in on the issue, agreeing that changes are needed but arguing for a wider restructuring of the way stewards are appointed.
Brown suggested that F1 should introduce full-time stewards rather than relying on a rotating pool of part-time officials.
“We need full-time stewards who are well paid,” Brown said, arguing that greater consistency in officiating would benefit the sport.
At the same time, Brown acknowledged that the FIA must play its part by simplifying the regulations and making the job of a steward more manageable.
“In principle, they already know what is right and what is wrong,” he said, suggesting that convoluted rule interpretations contribute to inconsistent decision-making.
The bigger picture: FIA efforts to improve officiating
The FIA’s decision to part ways with Herbert is just one part of a wider effort to improve Formula One officiating. In recent years, the sport has come under increasing criticism for inconsistent stewardship, controversial penalties and a lack of transparency in decision-making.
The issue of impartiality has come under particular scrutiny, with incidents such as the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix fuelling concerns over whether stewards are truly independent in their decision-making.
While Herbert’s dismissal does not directly address these wider issues, it does signal that the FIA is taking steps to eliminate potential conflicts of interest among its officials.
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What’s next for Herbert?
Johnny Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner and long-time television pundit, has not commented publicly on his removal as steward. However, he has previously defended his right to speak out on controversial decisions while serving as an FIA official.
Given his vast experience in F1, it is unlikely that Herbert will disappear from the sport altogether. His outspoken nature and intimate knowledge of the paddock make him a valuable figure in media circles, and he is likely to continue to provide expert analysis for the major broadcasters.
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Final thoughts
While Christian Horner and the FIA claim that the sacking of Johnny Herbert was a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the race, the move has inevitably raised questions about how stewards are selected and the influence that teams can wield behind the scenes.
Horner’s categorical denial of Verstappen’s involvement may help to quell conspiracy theories, but the wider debate about the independence of F1’s stewards remains unresolved. As the sport continues to refine its regulations and governance structures, the push for full-time, dedicated stewards could become a central issue in ongoing efforts to improve the transparency and consistency of race officiating.
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