25 January 2023 , 17:20
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Johnny Herbert and Paul di Resta will not be part of Sky Sports' TV coverage of Formula 1 this season, the broadcaster confirmed to Mirror Sport.
Herbert sparked speculation about whether he would remain part of the presenting team with a post on social media. He uploaded a promotional photo of himself alongside his fellow Sky Sports colleagues to Instagram with a caption which caught the attention of fans.
He simply wrote: "Going to miss the team." While that sentence was too vague to be conclusive, more telling were replies from Sky colleagues. Natalie Pinkham responded: "Johnny, love you forever ever," while Rachel Brookes declared that it "won't be the same" without Herbert.
Approached by Mirror Sport, Sky Sports confirmed that the three-time F1 race winner will no longer be part of the presenting line-up. They also said former Force India and Williams driver Di Resta is also not included in the team this year.
A 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."
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It is understood that neither Herbert nor Di Resta will be replaced. Sky's confirmed presenting 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.
As rumours circulated over Herbert's future, motorsport content creator Last Lap Lucy posted a video excerpt of a recent interview she conducted with the 58-year-old, in which he confirmed that he would not be working for Sky, but promised fans that he "will be around".
Herbert said: "I'm not with Sky this year, unfortunately, but there are other things I'll be getting involved with. I'll be at Silverstone for sure, and the Monaco Grand Prix. I'm hoping to get to Le Mans as well this year, because that's going to be a big event this time around.
Paul di Resta will also be absent from Sky Sports F1 coverage in 2023 (Bongarts/Getty Images)"I'm doing a bit of karting – not racing, just testing. My son-in-law wants me to race but I don't really want to, but you'll probably see me on a go-kart track near you. I've got various things going on. I'm enjoying things on the track and also life off the track as well."
While no official reason has been given for his departure, Di Resta's racing schedule in 2023 looks to be a busy one. He is due to take part in both the World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series – creating clashes with several F1 race weekends throughout the season.
With their presenting team still 13 members strong, it is understood Sky see no need to add any new permanent faces to their coverage.