Horner asserts FIA's 'right' to remove F1 steward Herbert.

      Christian Horner stated that the FIA made the "right decision" in removing Johnny Herbert from his position as a Formula 1 steward. The governing body determined that Herbert's role with the FIA was "incompatible" with his work as a vocal pundit on various gambling-related platforms. In 2024, Herbert's involvement in several controversial penalties for Max Verstappen upset Max’s father, Jos, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner has since asserted that Herbert's departure and the criticism of Verstappen were not "connected in any way." "Nevertheless, it was the right decision," he acknowledged. "You cannot have officials who also work in the media. This is not permitted in other professional sports, as it is totally inappropriate. You must be either on the regulatory side of the sport or on the media side. Having a foot in both camps is not acceptable." Alex Wurz, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, was also asked about Herbert's ineligibility as an F1 steward. He responded, "I’m not aware of the specifics, but if there was a conflict and they resolved it together, then that’s acceptable. I don’t have all the details."