More than 4 days after the events, the incidents involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Mexico are still being talked about. Everyone went there with their own opinion. The latest is none other than that of Johnny Herbert, former driver at the 161 Grands Prix and now a member of the panel of stewards working during race weekends.
The Englishman was just in Mexico and he was one of those who made a decision when studying the Dutchman's rough defenses on his runner-up, before penalizing him by 20 seconds. For this one, Max Verstappen was simply in “ horrible state of mind », fully deserving his double sanction. Will they only have an impact on the way the three-time world champion drives?
« They won't stop Max Verstappen from pushing Lando Norris off the track in the futureassured Johnny Herbert to Action Network. I don't see Verstappen's driving changing because his main objective is to prevent Norris from closing the championship gap. We potentially still have a lot of interesting races to come. »
Regarding the sanctions themselves, the man with three Grand Prix victories has no regrets about having imposed them. According to him “ instructions were followed », rejecting any conspiracy theory according to which he benefited Lando Norris, a Briton and therefore a compatriot. “ The right decision was made, the 20 second penalty for Verstappen was not severehe adds. Verstappen's driving style was harsh, especially when he takes a counterpart off the track. That's a definite no. Not just from me but also from current drivers, former drivers and marshals (…) His intention was to try to allow Ferrari to achieve the double. I think that's really what Verstappen tried to do, I understand why he did it, but I don't agree with it. And I don't think a lot of people are. »
Admiring Max Verstappen’s driving in general, Johnny Herbert said to himself “ frustrated » to see him act like this. According to him, he did not “ not to do it, he is so good behind the wheel, and at this stage of the season he just needs to try to stay away from problems and drive as well as possible. » But if he starts from the principle that he will not change despite the penalties, he should prepare himself to soon have to analyze many new similar situations.
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