Johnny Herbert had been critical of Max Verstappen as a consultant on Sky, which earned him an accusation of conflict of interest from Jos Verstappen after the penalties he helped inflict on his son in Mexico .
In addition, the Dutchman also asked the winner of three Formula 1 Grand Prix to no longer make comments about his son in the media, even though he is a consultant. To the point that the former pilot spoke up to defend himself.
“As I've always said, I'm Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend and Johnny Herbert the commentator at other times who speaks his mind. When I'm steward, I don't 'expresses no opinion. Everyone has an opinion.' Herbert said.
“Why not me when I'm not on a circuit? The circuit has been my world for 50 years. If I don't completely agree with what I see on the circuit, I will say so. It's not not just Max. I will criticize anyone if I feel it is justified.”
“I understand Jos' point of view because he's his son. Is there a bias? No, of course. I wasn't the only one who thought Max crossed the line in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown thought so too.”
“I talk to people on Mondays or Tuesdays, but it's not part of my stewardship responsibilities. Jos has always been very frank about what's going on at Red Bull. Is that is his position? It's very similar. If you have an opinion and you want to express it, you can do so.”
Herbert thinks McLaren and Lando Norris should have no regrets for 2024 but better prepare for 2025: “McLaren and Lando missed out on seven points in Hungary because they let Piastri win and that's what they need to be aware of for next season.”
“Will they lose the championship this year? No, because they were always behind. They could have scored more points, but that's the race. Max was in the lead and didn't win after the month of June. McLaren will learn for next year and have a stronger mindset. Lando will go into 2025 knowing he can beat Max.
Note that Jos was also very critical of the alleged pro-British prejudices, declaring after the Brazilian Grand Prix: “The British media are keeping their big mouths shut for now.”
“Max showed that he is the best, after all these people shouted that he should change his riding style. His riding style is perfect.”
“Even that first lap in the rain, in which he gained six places. He’s still perfect in these conditions.”
