Formula 1 fans have hit out at Sky Sports F1’s decision to sack pundits Johnny Herbert and Paul di Resta, with the vast majority of fans believing that the broadcaster has made the wrong decision removing the two ex-F1 drivers.
The news of the two departures came mid-January, with Herbert’s exit in particular having upset several fans, given his popularity and the fact he’s been part of the Sky F1 presenting team since Sky acquired the rights to the pinnacle of motorsport.
In fact, Express Sport conducted a poll which discovered that 73.3-percent of fans believe the broadcaster has made the wrong decision sacking Herbert, whilst 64.4 percent are against Di Resta having been dropped. 2,200 people took part in the poll.
Herbert actually broke the news of his departure before it was officially announced by Sky, with the former Benetton driver having told content creator LastLapLucy that he wouldn’t be part of the team in 2023.
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“I’m not with Sky this year, unfortunately, but there are other things I’ll be getting involved with,” Herbert told content creator LastLapLucy.
“I’ll be at Silverstone for sure, and the Monaco Grand Prix. I’m hoping to get to Le Mans as well this year, because that’s going to be a big event this time around.
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“I’m doing a bit of karting – not racing, just testing. My son-in-law wants me to race but I don’t really want to, but you’ll probably see me on a go-kart track near you. I’ve got various things going on. I’m enjoying things on the track and also life off the track as well.”
Sky did go on to release an official statement regarding Herbert’s departure, where he was thanked for his hard work and for being an “integral part” of the Sky F1 team.
A Sky Sports spokesperson explained: “Johnny has been an integral part of our Formula One team since the very first season on Sky Sports in 2012. We will miss his humour and big personality and thank him for his energy and enthusiasm over the last 11 years. Everyone wishes him all the best for the future.”