Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has supported the FIA’s decision to remove Johnny Herbert from his role as a steward, citing the incompatibility of Herbert’s media activities with stewarding responsibilities.
Horner emphasized that the decision was not influenced by any specific driver, stating, “It has absolutely nothing to do with Max. But it’s absolutely the right decision.”
Herbert, a former F1 driver and media pundit, was dismissed from his stewarding role due to his media work being deemed “incompatible” with the steward position.
Horner remarked, “You cannot have stewards working in the media. You don’t have it in the Premiership, you don’t have it in any other form of professional sport. It’s totally inappropriate. You’re either on the sporting regulatory side or you’re on the media … . You can’t have a foot in both … .”

In response to his removal, Herbert expressed gratitude for his time as an FIA Driver Steward, acknowledging the challenges of the role and the importance of impartiality.
He stated, “I’m very grateful for the opportunity of being an FIA Driver Steward and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I have been involved in over the years. It is a difficult job and there are tough decisions that have to be made.
“As Stewards, we have and will continue to treat both drivers and team personnel with the utmost respect and remain impartial at all times during all F1 Grand Prix weekends.”
The FIA’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between regulatory duties and media engagements within professional sports.