Steward and former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert maintains that the time penalties given to Max Verstappen during the Mexican GP were justified. The Englishman has faced considerable criticism in recent weeks. For instance, Jos Verstappen pointed out Herbert’s biased role, suggesting that he inherently has a grudge against his son. Herbert defends himself by stating that Lando Norris and Zak Brown, notably Max’s biggest rivals, agree with him.
Johnny Herbert was one of the stewards who imposed two ten-second time penalties on Max Verstappen during the Mexican GP. Jos Verstappen subsequently accused him of ‘conflict of interest’ and ‘stewards who simply do not like Max’. Herbert was reported to have said in the media that the Red Bull driver will always continue to push his competitors off the track. “A steward should not be talking to the press at all,” responded an irate Jos Verstappen.
“During a race weekend, I am Johnny Herbert, the professional steward,” Herbert explained this week to the British SafestBettingSites. “Outside of that, I am just a commentator. Why shouldn’t I be allowed to express my opinion? Martin Brundle does it, doesn’t he? The circuit has been my world for fifty years; if I see something I disagree with, I say it. And it’s certainly not just about Max (Verstappen),” Herbert added.
‘Lando Norris and Zak Brown Agreed with Me’
Herbert does have some understanding for Jos Verstappen’s criticism. “Of course, it’s about his son,” he explained. “But there’s certainly no bias. I wasn’t the only one who thought Max Verstappen crossed the line in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown agreed with me.” This is a notable remark, considering both would naturally benefit from a penalty for their closest title rival.
Finally, Herbert reiterated his views on the current season. After Max Verstappen’s victory in São Paulo, Lando Norris is at risk of losing the driver’s title. “Norris is missing seven points because the team let Oscar Piastri win in Hungary,” recalled the three-time race winner. “They’ll have to do better next year. Then Norris will be in the running for the title from the first race.”
