A regular Formula 1 steward has directly addressed Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father, amid ongoing debates over driving standards in F1.
Jos Verstappen, once a rival on the track with former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, has criticized the 60-year-old, accusing him of a pro-British stance in FIA decision-making.
Herbert responded in the Dutch magazine Formule 1: “Jos is really way off the mark here.”
“I am actually a huge fan of Max,” he continued. “He is one of the best drivers I have ever seen. But then he makes manoeuvres like in turn 7 in Mexico and turn 4 in Brazil (2021), and I think ‘Why?’ You are so much better than that.”
Earlier in the week, Herbert also commented on Max Verstappen, now a three-time world champion, saying he has a “horrible mindset” when competing side-by-side with title contender Lando Norris.
Max responded to these remarks in De Telegraaf before the Brazilian Grand Prix, saying, “These are quite extreme accusations.”
Former 1996 world champion Damon Hill also weighed in this week, suggesting that Verstappen may struggle to race in a fair manner.
“I don’t listen to these individuals,” Max replied at Interlagos. “I’m a three-time world champion. I think I know what I’m doing.”
When asked if he feels mistreated by the sport’s officials and commentators, Verstappen remarked, “Honestly, I have my opinions. I don’t need to share them.”
Max also highlighted what he views as inconsistent treatment from the FIA, noting that while he was reprimanded for using the word “f*ck” in a press conference, Charles Leclerc received no penalty for a similar infraction after the Mexican GP.
When questioned about his sources of support and guidance, Verstappen responded, “People who are objective and close to me and not just there to stir … I can’t say the word, because I’ll probably get another (penalty).
“I mean, apparently it only counts for me anyway, because after the race in Mexico, someone was swearing. I didn’t hear anything from it. So it’s better I don’t swear again.
“But yeah, some people are just being very annoying. And I know who these people are. I don’t really pay a lot of attention to them anyway.”
Even Verstappen’s rapport with British rival Lando Norris seems strained, with Norris stating on Thursday that he has “no respect” for Max’s driving in Mexico.
“Max knows that he behaved wrongly,” said Norris. “It is up to him to change.”
Norris also mentioned that he hasn’t discussed the Mexico incident with Verstappen, stating that it’s “not necessary” and adding, “I don’t have anything to say to him either.”
