F1 fans in uproar as Sky Sports axe popular stars like in huge shake-up

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    Sky Sports have been blasted for axing popular F1 pundit Johnny Herbert ahead of the 2023 season.

    The former F1 racer has been a staple of Sky Sports’ coverage of the sport since it picked up the rights in 2012. But as part of a shake-up ahead of the new season, which begins in March, it has been confirmed that Herbert and Paul di Resta will not be part of the Sky team.

    A Sky spokesperson said: “Johnny has been an integral part of our Formula 1 team since the very first season on Sky Sports in 2012. We will miss his humour and big personality and thank him for his energy and enthusiasm over the last 11 years. Everyone wishes him all the best for the future.”

    READ MORE: Johnny Herbert 'disappointed' as Max Verstappen 'dismisses' Lewis Hamilton amid Ferrari praise

    However, the move has not gone down well with a section of F1 fans, who valued his opinions on the sport.

    One tweeted: “Johnny Herbert is the only guy who called out the BS on AD [Abu Dhabi 2021 when Max Verstappen controversially pipped Lewis Hamilton to the title] long before it was fashionable. I’m going to miss him and I hope another network picks him up.”

    Another said: “Daft decision if it's come from higher up. Him [Di Resta] and Johnny Herbert were brilliant.”

    What do you think about Sky's decision to get rid of Johnny Herbert? Tell us in the comments section

    One fan fumed: “Johnny Herbert was one of the few who didn't just w**** their mouth out to validate the Liberty Media [F1 owners] agenda… This is what happens to you if you don't say what you're told to.”

    Herbert was the man who infamously informed Max Verstappen he had won the 2022 title amid confusion over the allocation of points following the rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix.

    “Absolutely gutted that Johnny Herbert is leaving Sky F1. My highlight of the 2022 season was him announcing the championship to Max Verstappen,” said one fan.

    Another commented: “Gutted to find out that @PaulDiResta and Johnny Herbert won't be on @SkySportsF1 this year.”

    “Shame about Johnny, he’s always informative and good value,” commented one social media user.

    While Herbert won’t be working on Sky, he intends to remain involved in F1 and plans to attend the British Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix and the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race.

    Sky's confirmed line-up for 2023 includes Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Naomi Schiff, Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Karun Chandhok, Anthony Davidson, Natalie Pinkham, Ted Kravitz, Danica Patrick, Simon Lazenby, David Croft and Rachel Brookes.

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