Reigning Champion Responds to Johnny Herbert and Others, Says Critics Are “Going Full Steam Ahead”
Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 world champion, has hit back at critics, including former driver and pundit Johnny Herbert, following intense scrutiny of his Mexican GP performance. Verstappen was slapped with a controversial 20-second penalty for pushing Lando Norris off-track, a ruling that brought mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. Herbert, who was involved in the penalty decision as one of the race stewards, has been vocal in his critique of Verstappen’s tactics, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
In response to the backlash, Verstappen didn’t hold back, suggesting that if his critics had all the insight they claim, they might have been world champions themselves. “If they had all known that during their own careers, they could have been world champions,” Verstappen quipped, addressing claims that he positioned his car at the apex deliberately. He noted that this season has offered his critics the perfect chance to pick apart his moves on track.
“It must have hurt a lot of people that they couldn’t say anything negative before,” Verstappen added. “Now it’s all coming out, and they’re going full steam ahead. They’re doing just fine.”
The intensity of this season has magnified Verstappen’s every move as he defends his championship lead heading into the season finale. Despite criticism, Verstappen remains focused on securing his position at the top, with his unwavering confidence signaling an exciting end-of-season showdown for fans and drivers alike.
