Axed F1 presenter Herbert insists he was left IN THE DARK over Sky’s decision to sack him

Former Sky F1 presenter Johnny Herbert has opened up on his departure from the broadcaster, admitting that he was left in the dark over the decision as the reasoning was never explained to him.

Back in January, it was revealed that Herbert was axed from Sky Sports’ coverage of the Formula One ahead of the 2023 season after 11 years with the broadcaster.

Now, he has broken his silence and revealed he was left blind-sided by his axing, and is still unclear as to the reasons for the decision.

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: ‘I didn’t decide to step away – I thought everything was going ahead!’ 

‘And then I got a call in December, I think it was, when I was told things were changing.

Johnny Herbert was axed from Sky after 11 years working on the Formula One

Herbert (right) had many loyal fans who were left disappointed by the decision at Sky

‘It wasn’t explained why or what was changing. There was a mention of social media stuff and that was about it, really. I don’t really know.’

The presenter continued to reveal that he is ‘over it’ and moving on with his career despite the disappointment.

‘I was always aware – at Sky they do these subscriber checks where you’re given points out of 10 – and I’ve always known I was always quite popular on that side,’ he said. 

‘It’s a shame, but I’m over it. Moving on.’

Herbert has his own podcast, Lift the Lid, with co-host Billy Monger

Since departing Sky, Herbert has started his own podcast where he delivers his views on F1 stories, and has admitted that there are still opportunities for him within the F1 scene despite his axing at Sky.

He said: ‘There are other opportunities out there, once again just proving that if you work hard you can find different avenues to carry on being involved with the sport we love.’

However, he will not be returning to viewers’ TV screens any time soon, he revealed.

‘I did my 11 years at Sky and it was good,’ Herbert continued. ‘Now there are other things I’m doing. Because it was in December it was all quite late in terms of sorting other things out. 

‘There are a lot of other opportunities but, in terms of seeing me on a TV screen, there’s probably nothing planned on that front.’