Herbert responds to stewarding criticism with ‘respect’ claim

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has responded to stewarding criticism directed at him, by insisting that everyone in the paddock has “respect” for each other.

Herbert has come under fire in recent months for expressing his opinion to the media whilst also being an FIA steward, most notably from Jos Verstappen. 

Max Verstappen’s father accused Herbert of being biased, with a comment having been made by the Briton following the Mexico City Grand Prix. 

Herbert was part of the stewarding panel in Mexico City, where the four-time world champion received two penalty points and two 10-second time penalties for incidents involving Lando Norris.

Just days after the race, Herbert claimed that the 27-year-old had “a horrible mindset”. 

The comments did not sit well with the Dutchman’s father, who stressed as recently as the São Pauko Grand Prix that a steward should not express their opinion to the media.

Herbert hit back at the comments at the time, and has since noted that his stewarding role has not impacted any relationships in the F1 paddock.

“Within the paddock you just move on,” Herbert told Coin Poker. “Yes, you have your disagreements and frustrations but you just move on. 

“That’s the only way. There is no lingering animosity with drivers or their fathers. Everyone knows being a steward is a difficult job. 

“I have not felt it has impacted on any relationships I have in the paddock. Everyone has enough respect for each other.”