F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton gets title boost as ex-FIA steward addresses accusations of bias… Read More

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton gets title boost as ex-FIA steward addresses accusations of bias

Lewis Hamilton has received an encouraging development in his 2026 Formula 1 championship campaign, while former FIA steward Johnny Herbert has spoken publicly about accusations that he has shown favouritism toward the seven-time world champion.

Ferrari have continued working aggressively behind the scenes as they attempt to close the gap to Mercedes and strengthen their position in the championship battle. The Italian team’s progress has given Hamilton renewed optimism, particularly after a series of upgrades designed to improve the performance of his Ferrari.

The Scuderia have been steadily introducing technical improvements throughout the season, including aerodynamic developments and a long-awaited power-unit upgrade. Those changes are intended to give Hamilton and Charles Leclerc a more competitive package as Ferrari attempt to challenge Mercedes over the remainder of the campaign.

Hamilton’s title ambitions have remained one of the major talking points of the season. Ferrari’s recent progress could prove particularly important as the championship enters another crucial phase, with every improvement potentially making a difference in the fight for points and race victories.

Away from the track, Herbert has found himself at the centre of a separate F1 debate concerning alleged bias. The former Grand Prix winner previously worked as an FIA steward while also appearing as a television pundit, putting him in a position where his opinions about drivers could attract considerable attention.

Herbert has now revealed that he has faced significant criticism from fans who believe he has been unfairly negative toward Max Verstappen and more supportive of Hamilton. According to Herbert, accusations of bias have followed him even after his time as an FIA steward came to an end.

The former driver explained that some of the strongest backlash came from Verstappen supporters, particularly after he questioned incidents involving the Red Bull driver. Herbert said the reaction became extremely intense on social media, with accusations that his opinions were influenced by favouritism toward Hamilton.

The controversy is not entirely new. During his time as a steward, Herbert’s comments about Verstappen attracted criticism because he was simultaneously involved in making decisions concerning penalties. That combination of punditry and officiating created questions from some sections of the F1 community about whether stewards should publicly express strong opinions about drivers.

Herbert’s latest comments therefore provide another perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding impartiality in Formula 1. He maintains that criticism of his views does not necessarily demonstrate bias, while the wider discussion highlights how difficult it can be for former drivers and officials to separate their professional responsibilities from their personal opinions.

For Hamilton, however, the bigger story remains Ferrari’s progress. If the team can continue extracting more performance from its car, the British driver could have a stronger opportunity to challenge the leading Mercedes drivers.

With the championship still developing, Ferrari’s upgrades and Hamilton’s ability to convert improved performance into points could ultimately determine how serious his title challenge becomes. Meanwhile, Herbert’s comments have added another layer to an already heated F1 season, ensuring that debates about driver treatment and perceived bias remain firmly in the spotlight.