McLaren "damaged their hopes" slams Herbert after questions on their decision-making

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert exclaimed that McLaren's decisions "damaged their hopes" during the Japanese Grand Prix.

The British team could have implemented an undercut with Lando Norris, or even Oscar Piastri, who was behind the Brit, to try and get past Max Verstappen at the front during the round of pit stops.

However, it was a strategy call they steered away from, unable to make the move around the Suzuka circuit that many struggled to overtake on during the Grand Prix.

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Herbert was also full of praise for Verstappen after the third round of the 2025 season, even drawing a connection between the Dutchman and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Herbert hugely critical on McLarens choices in Japan

According to the former Sky Sports pundit, the beginning of the season is crucial for the championship, and McLaren have already made some mistakes during that time.

"Championships are won on early-season form - McLaren might’ve damaged their hopes," the former F1 steward explains. However, there was also praise from the Brit on the approach of McLaren team boss Zak Brown. "I'm glad Zak Brown let them race.

"I never thought this season was going to be a walkover for McLaren, and I think they're still going to have to earn any success. I would argue they probably have the better package because the McLaren does seem to work absolutely everywhere," continued Herbert

Herbert insists drivers' championship "matters"

While team decisions are sometimes necessary, Herbert emphasises the importance of drivers above all: "It's the Drivers’ championship that matters. Going back through history, you know who the champion was in a given year, but you don’t remember who won the Constructors’ title. In fact, you can very rarely know what the car is. Whenever I talk to fans, they always talk about the drivers. That’s what matters."

However, the Brit understands that tensions can indeed arise internally, especially given the involvement of Oscar Piastri's manager, Mark Webber. "Of course, Mark Webber will have a word with Zak Brown about the team orders, and so he should. But the other element is trying to keep the harmony in the team," says Herbert.

This article was written in collaboration with Mitchell van de Hoef