Johnny Herbert reacts to accusations of favoring British F1 drivers amid FIA role. Former FIA steward has revisited his dismissal at the end of February. .

Pundit or steward?
After last year’s controversy, when Johnny Herbert was both a race steward and a pundit for some betting sites, the FIA decided on January 29 to dismiss the former British driver, deeming the dual role incompatible.
Johnny Herbert chose not to stir up controversy, but in his latest interview with *CasinoApps*, he did take the opportunity to clear the air.

Johnny Herbert on his dismissal
“I’d say it wasn’t an FIA decision; it was the chatter afterward that made them change their minds,” Herbert explained, adding, “Everything I did in 2024 had been discussed and approved. And two days before my dismissal, I was told over the phone that everything was set for 2025, but then it wasn’t. I don’t want to point fingers, but some people spoke with the president, and that’s why he decided to fire me.”

Johnny Herbert then directly addressed the accusations of favoritism toward British drivers: “The Verstappens keep insinuating there was bias. I read that and think: so I can’t support a British driver because I’m British? I can’t support Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, or Lando Norris? I find that ridiculous. But on the other hand, if you’re Dutch, you can go after the Brits and say they have no morals. Things should work both ways, right?” – he pointed out.

The former Benetton and Lotus driver continued: “The dismissal upset me because I was doing my job in the best way possible, without bias. I had rules and guidelines to follow. And I wasn’t alone—I was with three other FIA stewards. I don’t think I did anything to favor anyone. I did what I thought was necessary, whether it was for Lewis, Max, Lando, or anyone else. I had no grudge against anyone; the accusation of partiality is absolutely ridiculous. But for some reason, there was constant talk of favoritism toward British drivers,” Johnny Herbert concluded.