The FIA’s decision to appoint former Formula 1 drivers as stewards has faced growing criticism. While they bring invaluable experience, Jos Verstappen criticized their potential for biased and inconsistent decision-making. Max Verstappen‘s father urged the FIA to improve its professionalism after a recent incident involving his son and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

The incident occurred in the midst of an intense title fight. Max Verstappen battled Lando Norris in Austin and Mexico. In Austin, many thought Verstappen should have been penalized for forcing Norris off-track, which saw the latter getting penalized for an overtake outside track limits.

In Mexico, the Dutchman received two 10-second penalties, one for pushing his rival off-track and another for gaining an advantage by overtaking off-track. He admitted the second incident was wrong but felt that the first penalty was too harsh. Jos Verstappen criticized Johnny Herbert, who was one of the stewards and was responsible for handling his son a penalty.

He stated that Herbert doesn’t understand racing and that such a harsh fine was unnecessary. It’s about clarity, consistency and objectivity, You also shouldn’t put former Formula 1 drivers down as stewards, but people who understand racing, have knowledge of the rules and, more importantly, have more distance and no personal interests. Jos Verstappen said (via Formula1.

nl)The 52-year-old believes Herbert’s support for Norris reflects a long-standing issue of nationality bias among F1 stewards. He and the Red Bull team feel the penalties were intentionally given to hurt their points and give Norris an advantage. If you have the same people every time you’re going to get the same decisions.

That’s just better. The FIA needs to step up in terms of professionalism, and in that area, they are failing pretty badly for now. In soccer, you have FIFA referees, they receive training, courses and are paid well.

The same should be done here. Jos Verstappen addedRELATEDLewis Hamilton’s former teammate reportedly exploring Mercedes return after Audi snubJohnny Herbert defends having his own opinion after facing backlash from Jos VerstappenAfter the US race, ex-F1 driver turned steward Johnny Herbert shared his opinion on Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving. Max Verstappen and his father, however, felt Herbert’s comments were biased.

Johnny HerbertHerbert then fired back, stating that everyone has opinions, including himself. He said that he remains neutral as the steward but is free to express his views on the matter outside of his work. The Briton clarified that he would have criticized anyone who made similar moves if deserved.

Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the racetrack?

The racetrack has been my world for 50 years. If I don’t quite agree with what I see on the racetrack I will say so. It is not just Max.

I’ll criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted. Johnny Herbert said (via racingnews365)RELATEDMcLaren should reconsider its bet on Lando Norris for F1 futureMax Verstappen shut down the deemed British bias by winning the Brazilian GP despite starting from P17 on the grid. His exceptional performance told his critics that he wasn’t fazed by their comments about his attitude or driving style.