Johnny Herbert has insisted he’s entitled to his opinions on reigning Components 1 world champion Max Verstappen as a response to criticism from the Dutchman’s father, Jos.
The 2 former F1 drivers are at loggerheads after Herbert initially remarked that the time penalties dished out to the Crimson Bull driver throughout the Mexico Grand Prix “wouldn’t cease [him] from pushing Lando Norris off the monitor sooner or later”.
Jos was furious that Herbert, who was performing as an FIA race steward on the Mexican Grand Prix, was airing his views in public having administered the penalties, insisting that “a steward should not speak to the press in any respect and simply ship work on a regular basis”.
The bitterness continued on the Brazilian Grand Prix when Max Verstappen, who was also heavily criticised by Sky F1’s Damon Hill for his manoeuvres on Norris, claimed: “I’ve obtained the improper passport for this paddock”.
Nonetheless, Herbert who was once more an FIA race steward in Brazil final weekend, has insisted he’s not biased.
And in a barb aimed toward Jos, he questioned his place to be essential of Crimson Bull’s operations, having been outspoken towards his son’s workforce on plenty of events this yr.
“I’m Johnny Herbert the steward and the skilled throughout a race weekend and Johnny Herbert a pundit at different occasions, who expresses what he thinks,” Herbert told SafestBettingSites.co.uk.
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
“When I’m a steward, I don’t categorical any opinions.
“Everybody has an opinion. [Sky Sports F1’s] Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I’m not on the racetrack? The racetrack has been my world for 50 years. If I don’t fairly agree with what I see on the racetrack I’ll say so. It isn’t simply Max. I’ll criticise anybody if I really feel it’s warranted.
“I perceive it from Jos’s standpoint as a result of it’s his son. Is there any bias? No, after all not. I wasn’t the one one to suppose that Max was excessive in Mexico. Lando Norris and [McLaren boss] Zak Brown thought so too.
“Once I do communicate to folks on a Monday or Tuesday that’s outdoors my stewarding duties.
“Jos has at all times been very outspoken about what is occurring at Crimson Bull. Is that his place to be? It’s all very related. If in case you have an opinion and also you need to make it, then you possibly can.”
In the meantime, Herbert says that Norris, who trails Verstappen by 62 factors within the drivers’ championship with simply 86 out there within the closing three races, will be taught from his title struggle.
“McLaren and Lando missed out on seven factors in Hungary as a result of they let Piastri win and it’s these issues they have to be aware of going into subsequent season,” added the three-time F1 race winner.
“Will they lose the championship this yr, no as a result of they had been at all times on catch-up. They might have gotten extra factors, however that’s racing. Max had the clear lead after which didn’t win after June.
“McLaren will be taught for subsequent yr and have a stronger mindset. Lando will go into 2025 understanding he can beat Max.”