Johnny Herbert Defends FIA Amid Verstappen Controversy Over Penalties and Fairness in F1 Stewarding
The world of Formula 1 is once again embroiled in controversy after Max Verstappen received penalties at the Mexican Grand Prix, sparking strong responses from his father, Jos Verstappen, about possible conflicts of interest within the FIA’s stewarding process. Verstappen’s recent penalties, which included two 10-second sanctions for on-track incidents with McLaren’s Lando Norris, came as a shock, especially with Johnny Herbert serving as one of the four stewards on the panel. Jos Verstappen quickly suggested that the FIA’s handling of his son’s penalties showed an underlying bias, with implications that certain stewards might harbor favoritism toward certain drivers or teams.
This claim of bias has stirred up debate in the F1 community. Jos Verstappen argued that stewards should be objective and fair, asserting that personal opinions could cloud impartial decision-making if not managed carefully. Pointing out that Herbert—a former F1 driver and a familiar figure in F1 commentary—has publicly criticized Max Verstappen in the past, Jos claimed that some stewards simply “don’t like Max” and that their decisions could reflect this sentiment.
In response, Herbert defended his actions as a steward, insisting that his personal views never interfere with his role during race weekends. He explained that, as a steward, he operates professionally, separating his personal opinions from his stewarding duties. Herbert went on to emphasize that he is entitled to an opinion about the sport and that criticism isn’t exclusive to Verstappen. “It’s not just Max—I’ll criticize anyone if I feel it’s warranted,” Herbert stated, addressing that having a critical view is a natural part of his long-standing involvement in motorsport.
Herbert’s statement aligns with other figures in F1, including Martin Brundle and Damon Hill, who have recently expressed opinions on Verstappen’s on-track tactics. Damon Hill, notably, had criticized Verstappen’s defensive moves in Mexico as “Dick Dastardly stuff” in reference to his aggressive racing style. However, Hill went on to commend Verstappen’s recent drive in Brazil as one of his best, praising his control and composure as he charged from 17th to victory in a challenging, rain-affected race. Despite past criticisms, Hill’s praise for Verstappen in Brazil highlights the Dutchman’s skill and adaptability under difficult conditions.
Verstappen’s performances this season have indeed placed him on the brink of his fourth consecutive World Championship, though not without challenges from McLaren’s Lando Norris. Norris’s notable victories in Miami, Zandvoort, and Singapore have demonstrated his growing potential in Formula 1, and yet the “killer instinct” essential for challenging Verstappen consistently remains in question. According to Brundle, this trait, along with more experience, could be what Norris needs to contend more seriously for the title in the future. Even with a strong car, McLaren hasn’t been able to match Red Bull’s momentum, allowing Verstappen to maintain a 62-point lead ahead of the final three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
The FIA’s inconsistency with penalties has fueled criticism, particularly among drivers who have voiced frustration over disparate responses to similar incidents. Verstappen’s community service penalty after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for his radio outburst further raised eyebrows. When Norris used similar language in Mexico, his penalty was less severe, leading to questions about uniformity in punishment.
Jos Verstappen’s call for transparency in stewarding is part of a larger, ongoing debate about fairness in F1, particularly as high-profile incidents involving top drivers expose potential flaws in the system. The relationship between the FIA and drivers is a delicate balance, as drivers push boundaries on track while navigating increasingly complex rule enforcement. Verstappen’s criticism and the ongoing dialogue within the F1 community underline a desire for the FIA to ensure that its regulations and penalty enforcement remain unbiased.
As the F1 season nears its conclusion, this issue of perceived bias and consistency in stewarding could impact FIA policies moving forward. With an increased focus on fair play and the demand for transparency, the governing body faces mounting pressure from drivers, teams, and fans alike. The future direction of F1’s officiating system and its influence on driver performance and team strategies will be closely watched as the FIA navigates these complexities in the coming years.
