Max Verstappen’s aggressive Turn 1 collision with Oscar Piastri in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has sparked intense debate, with former FIA steward Johnny Herbert calling it a deliberate move to assert dominance over potential rivals for 2025. The incident, which occurred in the season finale, saw Verstappen’s bold lunge into Turn 1 result in contact with the McLaren, spinning both drivers and earning the Dutchman a 10-second penalty.
While Verstappen finished sixth and Piastri salvaged 10th, the fallout extends far beyond the race. McLaren boss Andrea Stella deemed the move “unnecessary,” especially with the Constructors’ Championship still on the line at the time. Piastri sarcastically called it “the move of a World Champion” over team radio, but Verstappen diffused tensions post-race by apologizing.
Herbert: Verstappen’s Move Was Psychological Warfare
In an interview, Herbert suggested that the incident was less about racing and more about mind games. With McLaren emerging as a genuine contender for next season, Verstappen’s tactics seemed aimed at unsettling his competition.
“It is all about intimidation,” Herbert said. “McLaren are going to be a threat to him next year. Oscar has shown he can win races, and Lando [Norris] is always in the mix. Neither driver was going to give way in Abu Dhabi.”
Verstappen’s reign as a three-time World Champion has often been characterized by a dominant car and limited competition, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 title challenge being the last significant test. However, Herbert noted that Verstappen’s competitors have grown more confident, particularly in the latter half of 2024.
Rising Resistance Against Verstappen
The Abu Dhabi clash is part of a broader trend, according to Herbert, as drivers like Piastri, Norris, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and even Hamilton increasingly push back against Verstappen’s dominance.
“Oscar saying, ‘Good,’ when he heard about the penalty shows the mindset shift,” Herbert explained. “Drivers are now standing up to Max. Russell has had his confrontations, Leclerc is pushing hard, and we’re seeing more aggression from Norris and Piastri.”
Herbert believes Verstappen thrives on these psychological battles, using intimidation as a tool to gain an edge on the track. However, the new wave of drivers appears unfazed, signaling a potential shake-up in 2025.
What’s at Stake for 2025?
With McLaren closing the performance gap and Mercedes and Ferrari showing flashes of brilliance, Verstappen may face his toughest season yet. The rise of drivers like Piastri and Norris, paired with the resurgence of veterans like Hamilton, sets the stage for a fiercely competitive championship.
For Piastri, the Abu Dhabi incident underscores his growing confidence as a future title contender. His willingness to challenge Verstappen—even at the risk of a collision—signals a readiness to take on F1’s top dog.
Horner and Stella: Diverging Views
While Red Bull team boss Christian Horner defended Verstappen’s move as “hard racing,” McLaren’s Stella criticized it for endangering both drivers and undermining the competition.
“It was unnecessary, especially with the stakes so high,” Stella said. “Max didn’t need to make that move, but it shows he views us as a threat.”
