Ex-F1 Steward Slams Max Verstappen Fans: 'They Were the Worst'

Johnny Herbert, former Formula 1 steward, has spoken out about the treatment he received during his time with the FIA. In a recent interview, he didn't hold back in criticizing a section of Max Verstappen fans as the worst he's ever encountered.

Herbert, also known for his punditry with Sky F1, spent over a decade as a steward. However, he admitted to being a frequent target of hatred, especially after criticizing Verstappen's driving style in a clash with Lando Norris.

“That's easy! The Dutch fans who took issue with me questioning Max,” he told Vision4Sport. “Actually, they weren't just Dutch. They were from other countries as well: 'Death to Herbert.' They were the worst.”

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Herbert also highlighted the bias accusations often leveled at him and his fellow countryman, Martin Brundle. “They say I'm biased toward Lewis Hamilton. Well, we are British – and Lewis is a Brit. You're Dutch and you support Max and you're saying we're biased, but you want us to support Max. They can't have it both ways,” he argued.

Despite this, Herbert insisted that he remains objective in his assessments. “We are wowed by the Flying Dutchman too. But if England were playing Holland in football, of course I'm going to support England,” he joked.

Herbert's criticism of Verstappen is nothing new. He previously described Verstappen's “horrible mindset” during wheel-to-wheel battles with Norris. However, his latest comments focus more on fan behavior that he considers crossing the line.

Herbert lost his role as an F1 steward before the 2025 season, with the FIA citing his media work as “incompatible” with the role. Yet, his experience has shed light on the pressure officials face in the age of social media.

Herbert's story serves as a reminder that the line between support and hatred is often thin. Regardless of who you support, respecting those who work to ensure fairness on track is non-negotiable.