Verstappen champion in '25? Steward Herbert doesn't think so
Could Max Verstappen win his fifth consecutive Formula One title in 2025? Former driver and FIA Steward Johnny Herbert does not think so. According to the Briton, McLaren drivers will be the favourites to take the crown next year in F1.
When Herbert talks about the upcoming 2025 season, to Coin Poker, he said he expects McLaren to be the frontrunners, "The next big head-to-head next season is going to be between Oscar and Lando! McLaren will dominate ahead of Red Bull, then Ferrari and Mercedes," the former driver began, not considering defending champion Max Verstappen.
However, according to him, Lando Norris is not the clear favourite, praising Oscar Piastri. Herbert believes the Australian also has the chance to go for the biggest prize.
"Piastri has the right attitude. It's all about him and he doesn't care about others. That's what he should take with him into a new season, in which McLaren will start as favourites," he continued.
'Norris has raced brilliantly'
Piastri's manager is former F1 driver Mark Webber. Herbert also sees that as a big advantage. "Oscar knows what to do. If he dominates right from the start, he will be in a good posoition. But I don't think Lando will allow that. Lando has been great in his qualifying and has raced brilliantly [in '24]," the steward concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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