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Herbert and di Resta leave Sky F1 commentary team

Long-time pundits Johnny Herbert and Paul di Resta will not be part of Sky Sports F1's commentary team for the 2023 Formula 1 season.

On Wednesday, Herbert gave a head's up on his exit when he uploaded a picture to social media with the caption "Going to miss the team", with the news later confirmed by Sky Sports.

"Johnny has been an integral part of our Formula 1 team since the very first season on Sky Sports in 2012," read the statement.

"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."

It's unclear why the three-time Grand Prix winner was dropped, but disappointed fans speculated on social media that the often outspoken Briton's straight-to-the-point candor had perhaps been a factor.

"Johnny, love you forever ever," tweeted Herbert's Sky F1 colleague Natalie Pinkham in response to the news while Rachel Brookes added "It won't be the same".

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Herbert isn't the only ex-F1 driver to part ways with Sky, with Paul di Resta, who officiated in the commentary box alongside David Croft as a stand-in for Martin Brundle, also dropped from this year's line-up.

However, the Scot's absence could be justified by his 2023 racing program, with di Resta competing with Peugeot once again in the WEC but also running with United Autosports LMP2 team in the European Le Mans Series.

It is understood that neither Herbert nor di Resta will be replaced in Sky F1's commentary team, while no new faces have joined the line-up.

Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, Damon Hill, Karun Chandhok, Danica Patrick and Anthony Davidson will continue to supply their F1 driver insight and expertise to viewers during the season while Croft and Brundle remain at the helm in the commentary box.

In the paddock, Simon Lazenby, Naomi Schiff, Pinkham, Brooks and the always entertaining Ted Kravitz will also continue to provide their color and commentary on race weekends.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.