Herbert calls for different reactions: 'Verstappen intimidates drivers'
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Johnny Herbert, in his role as FIA steward, has had to judge Max Verstappen's actions on track, and also off track on several occasions. The Briton has spoken out about the way the Dutchman 'intimidates' other drivers, with George Russell's response at the Qatar Grand Prix appreciated by Herbert.
There were several moments in the 2024 season where Max Verstappen was not happy with the way things went, which included a community service penalty in Singapore, as well as a whopping 20-second time penalty in Mexico.
At the Grand Prix weekend in Qatar, Verstappen ended up in a heated fued with George Russell. Indeed, the Dutchman received a one-place grid penalty for holding up Russell, which allowed the Briton to start ahead of Verstappen. The Red Bull Racing driver was not at all happy with how Russell had behaved with the stewards, which he then expressed extensively in the media. In turn, the Mercedes driver responded to Verstappen's statements during various media moments.
Herbert praises Russell's reaction to Verstappen
Johnny Herbert enjoyed this heated battle. "What was entertaining about last year was Max Verstappen playing the game and he was intimidating everybody on track with comments that he was making about every single driver," the FIA steward said in conversation with Casinoutanspelpaus.io. "But, they all started to rebel, they all started to push back, they all started to stand up to it and George Russell was one of those that stood up to him."
Herbert liked the way Russell reacted: "I think that is needed in the sport, someone will stand up to another driver because of the comments that he might have about what happened on the racetrack, that’s what they should do. They should have respect for each other and sometimes, they show that respect when you stand up and say ‘no, that’s not the right thing’. As Russell did to the press."
Herbert also talked about the way Verstappen constantly wants to intimidate others: "I think that’s a good strength, a very, very good strength to have because as much as Verstappen always wants to intimidate everybody, suddenly there’ll be a question mark, can another driver intimidate him at this particular corner? This particular lap? At this particular time in the championship? "
According to Herbert, Russell's reaction will have given Verstappen pause for thought. "It’s almost like there’s question marks that have started to come in his head at the moment. But, Verstappen is so confident and so in control of everything that’s going on around him. I think Lando Norris is learning how to ask that question and probably sees what everybody else does when standing up to Verstappen," Herbert concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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