Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver and sports commentator, recently spoke out about the barrage of death threats he received on social media following his participation as steward during the Australian Grand Prix. The threats emerged as a result of a decision that resulted in a penalty for Fernando Alonso, which generated a huge backlash online.
During the event in Melbourne, Alonso received an additional 20 second penalty after being involved in an accident with George Russell. As a member of the commissioners panel, Herbert became the target of intense criticism and threats from fans unhappy with the decision.
Herbert described the consequences of the decision as particularly severe, stating: “I was a steward at the Melbourne GP and the consequences were terrible. I received a barrage of death threats on social media, but luckily I have a strong mind. It’s pathetic that I was blamed for the decision.”
The abuse Herbert faced was not limited to this incident, but stemmed from previous public exchanges with Alonso, notably when Alonso confronted Herbert on live television. This exchange originated from a comment Herbert made whilst working for Sky, suggesting that Alonso should leave McLaren if he was dissatisfied with the team’s performance. Alonso’s on-air response, coupled with his world champion status, appeared to further fuel his supporters’ animosity towards Herbert following the penalty decision.
Herbert revealed: “There were messages with dagger emojis at the bottom of the screen, people threatening to come to my house. Most of them were Spanish.” He reflected on the intense and sometimes frightening messages he received.
Despite the hardship, Herbert remains steadfast in his role as commissioner, considering it part of the challenges that come with the job. However, he expressed concern about the prevalence of harassment directed at sports officials and athletes, criticizing social media platforms for their lack of effective action against online abuse. “That didn’t discourage me from being a commissioner. Unfortunately, it’s part of the job,” he said.
Herbert’s experiences shed light on a significant issue in digital interactions between fans and the personal safety of public figures. He concluded by calling for stricter measures against online harassment and emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility and take steps to prevent such abuses. The ongoing threats highlight a disturbing trend affecting not only celebrities but also individuals across industries facing similar challenges.
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