Former steward Herbert agrees with Verstappen: 'He did nothing wrong'

20:00, 09 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

One of the few major talking points after the Japanese Grand Prix was the pit lane incident between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Former steward Johnny Herbert also shared his thoughts on what happened as the two drivers rejoined on track.

Verstappen and Norris entered the pit lane together at the Suzuka Circuit for their only stop of the day.

However, the Red Bull crew's work was just a second slower, therefore, Norris was side-by-side with the Dutchman's rear after his stop. Exiting the pit lane, Norris had to go on the grass.

The stewards noted the incident, but it was quickly decided that no action will be taken, while both drivers vouched for their case over the team radio.

'I wouldn't have pushed for a penalty'

From this season onwards, Herbert no longer acts as a steward at F1 Grands Prix. Talking about the aforementioned incident to a betting site, the Briton agrees with the verdict made at the Suzuka Circuit. "If I had been a steward, I wouldn’t have pushed for any penalty. No, not at all. There was nothing you could have done," he explained.

According to the Briton, Norris only tried to make it appear more than it was to put pressure on the people making the decision, as any other driver would do. "There was nothing in it. I know they were trying to make it contentious. I know Lando was on the radio trying to make an issue with it, but like Max said at the end of the race, he didn't do anything wrong. They just play the games."

Therefore, Herbert clearly agrees with the defending world champion. "Max did nothing wrong. Lando was not to the side of him, he was halfway up the side, and that's not enough. You’ve got to give him space, but Lando just tried to gain an advantage which didn't quite happen. Like Max said, the most expensive lawn mower!"

He concluded: "Lando tried to gain an advantage. Max was ahead, he just went straight, he didn't move over, he didn't do anything wrong, and it was just Lando who ended up on the grass."