Former Formula 1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has likened Max Verstappen’s approach to dominance in the sport to that of Michael Schumacher, drawing parallels between two of the most dominant figures in F1 history.
Herbert’s comparison comes as Verstappen continues to assert his supremacy, having defended his world title in 2024 despite a season fraught with challenges. Speaking about Verstappen’s commanding presence on and off the track, Herbert reflected on Schumacher’s similar impact during his era.
The Schumacher-Verstappen Parallel
Herbert, who raced alongside Schumacher in the 1990s, noted that Schumacher established his authority well before a season even began, setting the tone for dominance.
“Michael Schumacher made sure that he was the dominant force. That was even before you got to the very first race,” Herbert said.
Herbert sees the same qualities in Verstappen, emphasizing the Dutch driver’s ability to command his destiny within Red Bull Racing, irrespective of team dynamics or partnerships.
“That’s also what Max Verstappen does. He makes sure that whoever his team-mate is, he’s in control of his destiny, just his destiny. Is it Red Bull’s destiny? A little bit, but it’s mainly Verstappen’s.”
Challenges for McLaren’s Rising Stars
Herbert also highlighted the unique situation unfolding at McLaren, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are poised to challenge Verstappen’s reign. With McLaren entering 2025 as Constructors’ champions and one of the strongest teams on the grid, Norris and Piastri have both the machinery and talent to compete at the highest level.
However, Herbert suggested that McLaren must carefully navigate the dynamic between its two drivers, allowing their rivalry to develop organically while identifying a clear title contender as the season progresses.
“That’s what Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have got to do at McLaren. How do McLaren deal with that? Well, they’ve got to let it blossom itself.”
The British team is expected to grant both drivers equal opportunities at the start of the season. Team orders will likely be introduced only once it becomes clear which driver has the best chance of toppling Verstappen.
Can Verstappen Continue His Streak?
As McLaren’s stars prepare to challenge Verstappen, questions remain about whether the reigning champion can maintain his grip on the sport. Despite his dominance, 2024 showed cracks in Red Bull’s invincibility, with Verstappen’s success often reliant on his unparalleled ability to extract maximum performance under pressure.
Herbert’s comments underline the immense challenge facing Verstappen’s rivals. To dethrone a driver with Schumacher-like dominance, teams like McLaren and Ferrari must strike the perfect balance between driver management, car performance, and strategy.
As the 2025 season looms, Verstappen’s quest for a fifth consecutive title will be a litmus test for his ability to fend off not only his competitors but also the relentless march of rising stars like Norris and Piastri. For now, the Dutchman remains the benchmark—a Schumacher-esque figure defining an era of Formula 1.
