Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has publicly criticized Max Verstappen for what he described as “unprofessional” and “disrespectful” behavior during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. After finishing second at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Verstappen appeared frustrated, particularly after receiving a five-second penalty for an early race incident with Oscar Piastri. This incident led the stewards to conclude that Verstappen gained an advantage illegally, which ultimately impacted his final standing, with Verstappen finishing just 2.8 seconds behind Piastri.
Herbert, formerly part of the Formula One stewarding team, voiced his opinion that a stricter penalty was warranted, suggesting a 10-second penalty would have been more appropriate. He expressed disappointment in Verstappen’s behavior on the podium, stating, “I saw Max Verstappen drink the champagne on the podium and didn’t really celebrate Oscar or Charles. It comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful, from a four-time world champion.” Herbert emphasized the importance of graciousness in defeat, suggesting that criticism of the penalty often comes from those lacking firsthand racing experience.
Further intertwining the narrative, Herbert mentioned Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, urging him to adopt a more honest stance when defending Verstappen. During discussions with the press in Jeddah, Horner attempted to challenge the penalty by presenting an image. Herbert remarked, “I’ll include Christian Horner in this, too. I know he’s the team principal and he’s trying to do what’s best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you’re wrong and give the place back. Most drivers are very aware of when they should give the place back.”
Currently, Verstappen remains third in the F1 drivers’ standings after five rounds, trailing twelve points behind the championship leader, Piastri. The ramifications of this criticism could influence Verstappen’s approach in upcoming races, potentially affecting his standing in the championship. As the season progresses, the debate over podium conduct and professional demeanor continues to spark conversation among fans and experts alike.
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