Johnny Herbert, born on June 25, 1964, in Brentwood, Essex, UK, is a former Formula 1 driver known for his perseverance and talent. Despite facing significant challenges, including a career-threatening accident early in his career, Herbert forged a successful path in the world of motorsport.
Early Career
- Karting Champion: Herbert began his racing career in karting, clinching the British Junior Karting Championship in 1979.
- Formula Ford: In 1985, he moved to Formula Ford, achieving notable success with six victories and a third-place finish in the championship.
- Formula 3: Herbert progressed to British Formula 3 in 1986, where he continued to shine, securing a third-place finish in 1988 and a runner-up position in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.
Johnny Herbert Stats Formula 1
Formula 3000 and F1 Debut
- Formula 3000: Herbert’s performance in Formula 3 earned him a spot in Formula 3000, but his progress was interrupted by a severe crash at Brands Hatch in 1988, resulting in serious leg injuries.
- Debut in F1 (1989): Despite his injuries, Herbert debuted in Formula 1 with Benetton in 1989, impressively finishing fourth in his first race, the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, the physical demands of F1, compounded by his injuries, led to a challenging season.
Career in Formula 1
- Struggles and Recovery: Herbert’s early F1 career was marked by struggles with underperforming cars and his recovery from injuries. He had stints with Tyrrell and Lotus, showing flashes of brilliance.
- Joining Benetton (1995): Herbert’s career took a significant turn when he joined Benetton in 1995 alongside Michael Schumacher. He won two races (British and Italian GPs) and finished fourth in the World Championship.
- Sauber and Stewart: In subsequent seasons, Herbert raced for Sauber and Stewart, achieving moderate success. His victory at the 1999 European Grand Prix with Stewart was a highlight, marking his third career win.
- Retirement: Herbert retired from Formula 1 in 2000 after a season with Jaguar.
Career Highlights
- Wins: 3 (British GP 1995, Italian GP 1995, European GP 1999)
- Podiums: 7
- Total Points: 98
- Best Championship Finish: 4th (1995)
- Teams: Benetton, Sauber, Stewart, Jaguar, among others
- Notable Achievements: Apart from his F1 successes, Herbert is also known for his victory in the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans with Mazda.
Post-Racing Career
- After retiring from active racing, Herbert remained involved in motorsport, transitioning to roles in broadcasting and mentoring young drivers. His resilience and ability to overcome adversity have made him a respected figure in the F1 community.
Johnny Herbert Stats Formula 1
Johnny Herbert’s career in Formula 1 is a story of triumph over adversity. Despite the physical challenges and competitive hurdles he faced, his determination and skill led him to significant achievements, including three Grand Prix victories and a notable presence in the sport. His legacy is one of resilience, making him an inspirational figure for many aspiring racers.