Sacked FIA race steward Johnny Herbert has taken intention at Components 1’s governing physique and hit again at accusations of bias.
Herbert was dropped as an F1 steward one month in the past after the FIA determined his “duties as a steward and that of a media pundit had been incompatible”.
The shock announcement got here after he discovered himself on the centre of a row involving world champion Max Verstappen and his father Jos. Herbert was on the physique of stewards that presided over final 12 months’s Mexico Grand Prix, the place the Crimson Bull driver was given two 10-second penalties for 2 incidents with McLaren’s Lando Norris.
It sparked accusations from Jos Verstappen that “the FIA ought to take a superb take a look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether or not there isn’t any look of a battle of curiosity”.
Chatting with CasinoApps.com, Herbert mentioned: “Sure individuals spoke to [FIA president] Mohammed Ben Sulayem about sacking me. It didn’t come from throughout the FIA initially. It was all to do with chitter-chatter to the FIA that made them change their viewpoint.
“Every little thing I would achieved all 12 months lengthy in 2024 had been mentioned and accepted.
“Two days earlier than I used to be ultimately given the sack over the telephone, I’d been advised all was good for 2025. Then it wasn’t.
Johnny Herbert, FIA steward
Picture by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photos
“I perceive how every part happened. However I’m not going to level the finger. However as I mentioned, there have been sure individuals who did truly communicate with the president and that is why the president lastly made that call to do away with me.”
Reflecting on the choice and accusations of British bias, Herbert added: “The Verstappens maintain intimating there’s a bias.
“I maintain studying concerning the supposed bias. I learn that after which marvel, ‘so I am unable to help a British driver as a result of I am British?’ I am unable to help Lewis or George or Lando. It’s ridiculous.
“However coming the opposite approach is ok apparently as was the case in what occurred with me.
“In the event you’re a Dutchman, you may kind of have a go on the Brits and say the Brits have gotten no actual morals for a way they’re as race followers. It’s presupposed to go each methods isn’t it.
“I am completely effective with [parting ways with the FIA]. It was upsetting on the time as a result of I loved it, and I felt that I used to be doing the very best job and with no bias in the direction of anyone.”
Herbert has additionally weighed in on claims that Ben Sulayem demanded members of the world motorsport council signed non-disclosure agreements, after British duo Robert Reid and David Richards had been barred from a gathering on Wednesday after refusing to signal NDAs.
Herbert accused the FIA of being “extra controlling” and having a “heavy-handed” method. He mentioned: “The FIA are extra controlling than earlier than and now have a heavy-handed approach of coping with issues. There does appear to be a extra controlling issue coming into play.
David Richards and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photos
“Dave Richards was a kind of who refused to signal an NDA and subsequently wasn’t allowed into the room for the World Motor Sport Council assembly earlier this week.
“Dave’s been world wide for a lot of a decade [as a former British American Racing team principal who also heads Motorsport UK] and an enormous a part of the FIA on the identical time.
“Signing an NDA and confidentiality agreements is just not the norm, nevertheless it’s turning into the norm. There undoubtedly appears to be a extra heavy-handed approach of coping with issues now.”
Images from the Bahrain Pre-Season Testing – Day 3
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Ben Hunt
Components 1
Johnny Herbert
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