Dropped by the FIA because of fears over his media work being “incompatible” along with his function as an F1 race steward, Johnny Herbert has joined Lola Vehicles as a world model ambassador.
Below new possession, Lola, which was based by Eric Broadley in 1958 and loved success in varied disciplines, together with successful the Indy 500, and which went into administration in 2012, introduced final yr that in a technical partnership with Yamaha it was to enter the Components E World Championship.
Freed by the FIA, Lola was fast to safe the providers of the British F3 champion, Components Ford Competition and Le Mans 24-Hours winner.
“The addition of a driver like Johnny to the Lola staff is an actual landmark second for me,” mentioned Until Bechtolsheimer, who purchased Lola Vehicles in 2022.
“Having witnessed quite a few shows of his expertise and sportsmanship all through his profession, I’m thrilled to get the chance to work alongside him,” he added.
“He’s not solely a really perfect ambassador for every thing that Lola stands for, however his wealth of expertise will probably be a priceless useful resource for our current and future drivers.”
“It is massively thrilling to be concerned with an iconic and profitable championship-winning marque like Lola,” mentioned Herbert. “Lola has all the time been an enormous a part of the motorsport world and, having grown up with Lolas round me in Components Ford, sports activities automobiles and F1, becoming a member of the staff for this subsequent chapter seems like the right match.
“I stay up for working with Lola and its companions, opening doorways for the model and serving to contribute not solely to the renewed success of such a storied title, however to the sustainable way forward for prime tier motorsport as nicely.”
In the meantime, referring to the FIA’s determination to drop him, the 3-time grand prix winner, took to Instagram.
“I am very grateful for the chance of being an FIA driver steward and I’ve completely loved the function I’ve been concerned in through the years,” he wrote. “It’s a tough job and there are powerful selections that must be made.
“As stewards, we now have and can proceed to deal with each drivers and staff personnel with the utmost respect and stay neutral always throughout all F1 Grand Prix weekends.
“Lastly, I am very grateful to the President and everybody on the FIA for the alternatives I’ve been given.”
One driver who most likely will not be sorry to see Herbert dropped as a steward is Max Verstappen, who was penalised (twice) by the stewards in Mexico, the place the Briton was on obligation. Herbert, in his media pundit function, subsequently criticised the Dutchman, while additionally talking out following his conflict with Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi.
Jos Verstappen was fast to criticise Herbert, claiming that some former drivers now employed as stewards have been biased, a view echoed by his son.
Nonetheless, Purple Bull boss Christian Horner insists that neither was concerned within the FIA’s determination.
“Firstly, it has completely nothing to do with Max however it’s completely the best determination,” he advised Sky Sports activities. “You can’t have stewards working within the media.
“You do not have it within the Premiership, you do not have it in every other type of skilled sport, it’s very inappropriate,” he added. “You are both on the sporting regulatory facet otherwise you’re on the media facet. You may’t have a foot in each camps.”
