Formula 1 steward Johnny Herbert explains why Max Verstappen received a ten-second penalty in Austria. According to the former Formula 1 driver, Verstappen’s ‘tough side’ resurfaced in his battle with Lando Norris. Herbert also praises Norris for not backing down from Verstappen.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris provided the most thrilling action on the track with their round-long battle for victory in Austria. After several unsuccessful overtaking attempts by Norris on the Dutchman, things went completely wrong in lap 64. The two drivers collided, thereby forfeiting their chances of winning. Verstappen was deemed the main culprit for the incident by the stewards and was handed a ten-second penalty.
Former F1 Driver Johnny Herbert Discusses Verstappen’s Penalty
One of the stewards at the Austrian Grand Prix was former F1 driver Johnny Herbert. The Brit explains why Dutch driver Max Verstappen received a time penalty. “It was Max’s mistake,” Herbert states in a conversation with Coin Poker. “He’s a tough racer, very difficult to beat. He intimidates everyone. That’s something Lewis [Hamilton], Michael Schumacher, and Ayrton Senna always did.”
Verstappen Pressured by Norris
According to Herbert, Lando Norris did the right thing by not yielding to Verstappen. “Some say Norris had room to evade, but that’s not how you beat Max, or how you win the Grand Prix,” says the former F1 driver. Verstappen’s attempt to fend off Norris’s attack did not surprise Herbert. “This approach has always been in Max’s arsenal. We haven’t seen it for a while because he’s been so dominant. It’s interesting to see how he reacts under pressure.”
The Brit appreciates that the three-time world champion is being challenged by another driver after a long time. “Lando and McLaren have worked hard and now you see the first cracks appearing [at Red Bull]. Max had to bring out his tough side again, which sometimes goes too far and gets him into trouble,” Herbert concludes.
