Former F1 Steward Blasts Verstappen’s Non-Penalty at Mexican GP: A Call for Accountability on Track!
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert has leveled accusations against the stewards for their handling of Max Verstappen’s performance during the Mexican Grand Prix. Herbert claims that Verstappen should have faced disciplinary action for his reckless driving, particularly during a chaotic first lap that saw the Dutchman overshoot Turn 1, gaining an unfair advantage.
The controversy erupted when Verstappen’s aggressive maneuvers at the start of the race went unchecked. As he surged past two Ferraris, he completely missed the corner, a move that many believe should have warranted a penalty. Herbert, who has been a vocal critic of the leniency shown by race officials, argues that such leniency fosters a dangerous culture on the track, where drivers feel entitled to treat the first corner as a “free hit.”
Speaking candidly, Herbert stated, “The biggest problem for me is that anything that tends to happen on the first corner, the first lap, they tend to turn a blind eye because the tyres are cold and they’re not quite up to speed. If something happens, they won’t apply a penalty.” His frustration is palpable as he points out the inconsistency in officiating, highlighting how Verstappen escaped unpunished while Lewis Hamilton received a harsh ten-second penalty for a separate incident later in the race.
Herbert’s comments raise a critical question: Are F1 stewards being too lenient? He believes that drivers like Verstappen are exploiting this leniency, stating, “When Max tried to go around the outside and was sort of running out of room, he got back on the track without losing anything.” This sentiment echoes concerns among fans and analysts who argue that such behavior undermines the integrity of the sport.
The former steward didn’t hold back in discussing the broader implications of these decisions. “Did they all then take the mickey with that first lap? Probably yes, because they all could get away with it,” he remarked, pointing to the overall disregard for rules that could lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.
Herbert also criticized the notion that penalties should be applied selectively. “People were saying the ten-second penalty was too harsh. But ten-second penalties should be across the board whenever it may be. Yes, it can be harsh in some circumstances, but you can’t just give a five-second penalty for the sake of being lenient.”
The stakes in Formula 1 are incredibly high, and with each event, the pressure mounts on officials to maintain fairness and consistency. As the racing world watches closely, one thing is clear: the debate over Verstappen’s non-penalty could ignite a larger conversation about accountability and the future of officiating in Formula 1. With the season still unfolding, fans are left wondering if this controversy will lead to a much-needed reform in how the sport handles on-track infractions.
