Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver, launches a scathing attack on Max Verstappen, accusing the Dutchman of being disrespectful and unprofessional. The controversy stems from Verstappen’s behavior after the checkered flag at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he was penalized for an incident at the start of the race.
Herbert, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back in criticizing Verstappen’s actions on and off the podium in Jeddah. The 60-year-old slammed Verstappen for not celebrating with fellow drivers Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, deeming it as a lack of professionalism from a four-time world champion.
In a bold statement, Herbert expressed his disappointment, saying, “Sometimes you need to be gracious in defeat, and I don’t see how anyone can argue that the penalty was unjust. Those who claim otherwise probably have never been behind the wheel of a race car, let alone an F1 car, so they have no understanding. This includes Christian Horner as well.”
Herbert further justified the penalty imposed on Verstappen, emphasizing the importance of track positioning and adherence to racing rules. He criticized Red Bull’s attempt to challenge the decision, labeling it as a futile effort to shift blame onto the FIA and race stewards. Herbert concluded by stating that both Red Bull and Verstappen had the opportunity to avoid the penalty by giving back the position but chose not to do so.
The heated debate surrounding Verstappen’s penalty was also a topic of discussion on the latest episode of the FormulaPassion.it podcast, “I Doppiati,” where experts delve into the intricacies of the F1 world.
As tensions rise between Verstappen’s camp and critics like Herbert, the F1 community eagerly anticipates how this drama will unfold in the upcoming races. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.