Herbert grateful to be FIA F1 Driver Steward, now time to move on

Herbert reflected on his tenure, stating: "I'm very grateful for the opportunity of being an FIA Driver Steward, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role I have been involved in over the years. It is a difficult job and there are tough decisions that have to be made.

"As Stewards, we have and will continue to treat both drivers and team personnel with the utmost respect and remain impartial at all times during all Grand Prix weekends. Finally, I'm very grateful to the President and everyone at the FIA for the opportunities that I have been given."

Shortly after announcing his departure from the FIA, Herbert was confirmed as the new Global Brand Ambassador for Lola Cars, marking the next step in his post-racing career.

The 60-year-old Briton enjoyed an 11-year spell in Formula 1, securing three Grand Prix victories and seven podium finishes while competing for teams including Stewart GP, Tyrrell, Lotus, and Jaguar.

His most successful season came in 1995 with Benetton, when he won two races and finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, contributing to the team’s Constructors’ title alongside Michael Schumacher.

Away from F1, Herbert remains renowned for his triumph at the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours, where he piloted the Mazda 787B to an against-the-odds victory.

In his new role at Lola, Herbert will utilise his extensive motorsport experience to help the company expand its presence in top-tier racing, including its recent entry into the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

His focus will be on strengthening Lola’s position as an industry leader in sustainable engineering, with strategic emphasis on electrification, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels and materials. He will also play a key role in business development and partnerships, working directly with sponsors and clients to maximise Lola’s commercial reach.

Lola Chairman Till Bechtolsheimer welcomed Herbert’s arrival, highlighting the significance of the appointment: "The addition of a driver like Johnny to the Lola team is a real landmark moment for me

"Having witnessed numerous displays of his talent and sportsmanship throughout his career, I am thrilled to get the opportunity to work alongside him. He is not only an ideal ambassador for everything that Lola stands for, but his wealth of experience will be a priceless resource for our present and future drivers."

Keith Smout, Chief Commercial Officer of Lola, echoed those sentiments: "Johnny’s arrival in the role of Global Brand Ambassador marks another huge step on the Lola journey.

"As a globally recognised and respected figure, he will play a key role in working with current and future sponsors to maximise the opportunities available to both them and Lola."

Smout continued: "His extensive experience and broad contacts within the motorsport world also make him ideally suited to assisting in our business development ventures, helping to build a solid foundation for future success."

Reflecting on his new position, Herbert expressed his enthusiasm for joining a company with such a storied history in motorsport.

"It’s hugely exciting to be involved with an iconic and successful championship-winning marque like Lola," Herbert said. "Lola has always been a big part of the motorsport world and, having grown up with Lolas around me in Formula Ford, sportscars and F1, joining the team for this next chapter feels like the perfect fit.

"I look forward to working with Lola and its partners, opening doors for the brand and helping contribute not only to the renewed success of such a storied name, but to the sustainable future of top-tier motorsport."