Ever since Max Verstappen clinched his first Formula 1 title in 2021 amid controversy, his aggressive driving style has been both celebrated and criticized. As the sport prepares for the 2025 season, the spotlight is again on Verstappen’s approach to wheel-to-wheel combat, particularly after high-profile incidents at the 2024 United States and Mexican Grands Prix reignited debates over the rules.
Austin controversy and the call for clarity
The United States Grand Prix brought Verstappen’s defensive tactics under scrutiny when Lando Norris was penalized for overtaking off-circuit while battling Verstappen. Confusion ensued among drivers, with many questioning the consistency of the regulations regarding off-track defending and overtaking.
In Mexico, the situation flipped as Verstappen received a penalty for a similar altercation with Norris, prompting F1 officials to announce new guidelines for 2025. These rules aim to provide clarity and prevent repeat controversies, though former F1 driver and upcoming steward Johnny Herbert believes the changes will make little difference to Verstappen’s driving style.
Herbert: “Aggression is part of Verstappen’s DNA”
Johnny Herbert, who will serve as a steward at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, anticipates that the new rules will allow for more aggressive, karting-style racing. “The way the racing rules have gone, it’s made it more as racing was when we were doing karting,” Herbert explained. “You’ve got to earn that space. It’s not a rule that says, ‘Oh no, you can’t do that.’”
Herbert sees Verstappen’s aggressive edge as a natural part of his brilliance. “From Max Verstappen’s point of view, aggression is always going to be part of what he does,” Herbert said. “He’s still improving his racing skills and qualifying skills.”
Verstappen faces stiff competition in 2025
The 2025 season presents a unique challenge for Verstappen as he defends his title. With McLaren emerging as the fastest package in the latter half of 2024 and Lewis Hamilton joining a competitive Ferrari, the battle for supremacy promises to be fierce.
Despite the increased competition, Herbert remains confident in Verstappen’s abilities. “He’s probably one of the greatest ever,” Herbert said. “He’s still got plenty in his back pocket, should he need to push even harder to retain his drivers’ crown.”
Liam Lawson: Verstappen’s new teammate must deliver
As Verstappen’s new teammate at Red Bull, Liam Lawson faces immense pressure to perform. Red Bull’s history of quickly replacing underperforming drivers—from Pierre Gasly to Alex Albon and Daniil Kvyat—looms large. Herbert emphasized that Lawson must shine to avoid a similar fate and, if possible, push Verstappen to new heights.
“Lawson has now got to shine,” Herbert said. “If he can push Verstappen, it will only be a positive thing for Max and the team. But if Verstappen reaches another level because of that, it’s bad news for everybody else.”
What’s next for Verstappen?
As F1 braces for a potentially groundbreaking 2025 season, Verstappen’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats remains undisputed. However, with new rules, fierce competition, and a rookie teammate eager to prove himself, Verstappen must adapt and refine his approach to maintain his dominance.
The question isn’t whether Verstappen can handle the pressure—it’s how much better he can become when pushed to his limits.
(Quotes supplied by Casinoutanspelpaus.io)
