Johnny Herbert Slams FIA After Shock Dismissal: Was Verstappen Influence the Real Trigger?
Formula 1 is no stranger to drama, but the latest off-track saga involving former FIA steward Johnny Herbert has set the motorsport world ablaze with controversy. Herbert, a respected ex-driver turned pundit, was abruptly sacked from his role as an FIA commissioner ahead of the 2025 season, sparking heated debates about impartiality, external lobbying, and the FIA’s increasingly iron-fisted grip on the sport. In a bombshell interview, Herbert didn’t hold back, accusing the FIA of bowing to outside pressure—potentially from the Verstappen camp—while slamming their “heavy-handed” approach. So, what led to this dramatic fallout, and is the FIA’s credibility now hanging by a thread?
Herbert’s dismissal came as a shock to many, especially since he claims he was assured just days earlier that his position was secure for 2025. Having juggled his FIA role with media commentary since 2024, Herbert was a familiar face in the paddock, bringing a driver’s perspective to stewarding decisions. The FIA, however, deemed this dual role “incompatible,” citing a conflict of interest between his officiating duties and his outspoken punditry. But Herbert isn’t buying the official line. He alleges that “certain people” whispered in the ear of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, tipping the scales against him. While he stopped short of naming names, the timing and context point fingers at Jos Verstappen, father of four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The Verstappen connection isn’t hard to trace. During the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, Max received two 10-second penalties for clashes with McLaren’s Lando Norris—decisions Herbert helped oversee as a steward. Jos Verstappen didn’t mince words afterward, questioning Herbert’s impartiality and suggesting a British bias due to his nationality. Herbert fired back, calling the accusations “ridiculous” in his latest interview. “Just because I’m British, I can’t cheer for British drivers? If it were the other way around, the Dutch could say the same about Max,” he argued. His rebuttal raises a deeper issue: can nationality ever truly be separated from stewarding decisions, or is the FIA caught in a no-win situation?
Beyond the bias debate, Herbert took aim at the FIA’s broader direction under Ben Sulayem. He criticized their “controlling” tactics, pointing to new measures like confidentiality agreements for World Motor Sport Council meetings as evidence of a “heavy-handed” shift. “There’s definitely a different way of dealing with things now,” he said, painting a picture of an organization tightening its grip amid growing scrutiny. This isn’t just about Herbert—it’s a symptom of a larger storm brewing over the FIA’s transparency and independence. With teams, drivers, and fans alike questioning whether external pressures—like those from powerful figures in the paddock—can sway decisions, the governing body’s authority feels shakier than ever.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s own woes add another layer to this unfolding drama. Preseason testing in Bahrain revealed cracks in their once-unbeatable armor, with the new RB21 car lagging behind expectations. Technical director Pierre Waché admitted the tests were “not as smooth as hoped,” citing a water pressure failure and inconsistent performance. Despite upgrades rolled out on the final day, the team that dominated recent seasons could slip to fourth on the grid—a stark contrast to their past glory. With Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin still stinging, Red Bull faces an uphill battle to reclaim their edge. Could this technical stumble embolden their rivals to exploit the FIA’s internal chaos?
Herbert’s exit isn’t just a personal saga—it’s a lightning rod for Formula 1’s ongoing struggles with fairness and governance. His claims of lobbying and control fuel a narrative of a sport at a crossroads: can the FIA maintain its impartiality, or are powerful voices like the Verstappens steering the ship? As the 2025 season looms, Red Bull’s on-track challenges and the FIA’s off-track turbulence promise a volatile year ahead. Will the RB21 rise to the occasion, or will a new hierarchy emerge? And more crucially, can the FIA restore faith in its rulebook? One thing’s certain—this controversy is far from over, and the paddock is buzzing with anticipation. What’s your take—did Herbert deserve the axe, or is the FIA bending to the wrong pressures? Drop your thoughts below and buckle up for what’s shaping up to be a wild ride in Formula 1!
