Former FIA steward blasts ‘unprofessional and disrespectful’ Max Verstappen…read more…

Former Formula 1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has openly criticized Max Verstappen’s driving behavior, labeling it as “unprofessional” and indicative of a “horrible mindset.” This critique follows a series of contentious on-track incidents involving Verstappen, particularly during the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, where he received two 10-second penalties for aggressive maneuvers against McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Herbert, who was part of the stewarding panel for that race, defended the penalties, stating that Verstappen’s actions were over the top and unnecessary given his skill level. He emphasized that Verstappen doesn’t need to resort to such tactics to win races and should aim to compete in the cleanest way possible.

The situation escalated when Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, accused the FIA stewards of bias against his son, suggesting that certain officials, including Herbert, might have conflicts of interest. In response, Herbert maintained that the stewarding decisions were made collectively and based on established guidelines, dismissing claims of partiality.

Subsequently, the FIA announced that Herbert would no longer serve as a race steward, citing the incompatibility of his roles as a steward and media pundit. While the FIA acknowledged Herbert’s valuable contributions, they agreed that holding both positions simultaneously could lead to conflicts of interest.

This series of events highlights ongoing debates within Formula 1 regarding driving standards, stewarding impartiality, and the balance between competitive aggression and sportsmanship. As the sport continues to evolve, these discussions remain central to its integrity and the enforcement of fair play.