Formula 1 Brazilian GP
Herbert hits back at Jos Verstappen over F1 steward integrity claims
FIA race steward Johnny Herbert reacts after his integrity is called into question
Ben Hunt
Edited: Nov 6, 2024, 6:46 PM
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Johnny Herbert has insisted he is entitled to his opinions on reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen as a response to criticism from the Dutchman's father, Jos.
The two former F1 drivers are at loggerheads after Herbert initially remarked that the time penalties dished out to the Red Bull driver during the Mexico Grand Prix “would not stop [him] from pushing Lando Norris off the track in the future”.
Jos was livid that Herbert, who was acting as an FIA race steward at the Mexican Grand Prix, was airing his views in public having administered the penalties, insisting that “a steward shouldn't talk to the press at all and just deliver work all the time”.
Watch: Can Anyone Challenge Max Verstappen? Your F1 Questions Answered
The bitterness continued at the Brazilian Grand Prix when Max Verstappen, who was also heavily criticised by Sky F1’s Damon Hill for his manoeuvres on Norris, claimed: “I’ve got the wrong passport for this paddock”.
However, Herbert – who was again an FIA race steward in Brazil last weekend – has insisted he is not biased.
And in a barb aimed at Jos, he questioned his position to be critical of Red Bull's operations, having been outspoken against his son's team on a number of occasions this year.
“I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend and Johnny Herbert a pundit at other times, who expresses what he thinks," Herbert told SafestBettingSites.co.uk.
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"When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions.
“Everyone has an opinion. [Sky Sports F1’s] Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the race track? The race track has been my world for 50 years. If I don’t quite agree with what I see on the race track I will say so. It is not just Max. I’ll criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted.
“I understand it from Jos’s point of view because it is his son. Is there any bias? No, of course not. I wasn’t the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and [McLaren boss] Zak Brown thought so too.
“When I do speak to people on a Monday or Tuesday that is outside my stewarding responsibilities.
“Jos has always been very outspoken about what is happening at Red Bull. Is that his position to be? It is all very similar. If you have an opinion and you want to make it, then you can.”
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Meanwhile, Herbert says that Norris, who trails Verstappen by 62 points in the drivers’ championship with just 86 available in the final three races, will learn from his title fight.
“McLaren and Lando missed out on seven points in Hungary because they let Piastri win and it’s those things they need to be conscious of going into next season," added the three-time F1 race winner.
“Will they lose the championship this year? No, because they were always on catch-up. They could have got more points, but that is racing. Max had the clear lead and then didn’t win after June.
“McLaren will learn for next year and have a stronger mindset. Lando will go into 2025 knowing he can beat Max.”
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