Johnny Herbert addresses suggestions of 'British bias' after penalizing Max Verstappen

Johnny Herbert touched upon suggestions of a British bias following Max Verstappen's penalty at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix on October 27. Herbert, an FIA steward, addressed the issue after questions were asked regarding the neutrality of British officials and experts for non-British drivers.

Verstappen has spoken several times about non-British drivers facing the wrath of British media. Former Red Bull man Adrian Newey, a British citizen, supported the Dutchman on the issue.

Doubts about neutrality resurfaced after Verstappen was criticized following his on-track clash against British driver Lando Norris in the Mexican GP. Damon Hill, a British former driver and Sky Sports F1 pundit condemned the three-time world champion.

A new angle has arisen following the FIA Stewards' decision to penalize Verstappen in Mexico City. The FIA handed the Red Bull driver two 10-second time penalties for his on-track skirmish against Norris, and one of the Stewards was Herbert, a British national. He told the media:

"There always seems to be an issue about us British stewards being ‘biased.’ But when we’re in that room, we abide by the rules and guidelines from the FIA. To say there’s bias is ridiculous."

Besides this, fingers were pointed at Tim Mayer, another FIA Steward for his allegiance with McLaren. Mayer is the son of Teddy Mayer, the co-founder of McLaren, and fans and experts did not see his role as an FIA steward in a good light.

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Former McLaren driver stands for Max Verstappen amid 'British bias' allegations

Max Verstappen (1) of Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Lando Norris (4) of McLaren MCL38 | Getty Images

Former McLaren F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya opened up on a 'British bias' and agreed with Max Verstappen. In his interview with InstantCasino, Montoya recalled facing the same during his time as a driver.

"He was alluding to the fact that the British media especially but also the German media controls the sport and how it is portrayed in the media. For me it was difficult. When you have mainstream media from those two countries, it makes it hard. Everything that we read is biased against Max."

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Max Verstappen said that over 80 to 85 percent of F1 Press is in English. On top of that, most former drivers are British, which makes the whole situation a one-sided affair, and naturally goes against non-British drivers, according to the Dutchman.

Lando Norris and Verstappen are in title contention this season. The Red Bull star leads the championship with 362 points, compared to Norris' 315 points, with four races, and two Sprints left.