In a surprising twist at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen’s actions on the podium drew criticism from former F1 driver Johnny Herbert.
Max Verstappen found himself at the center of controversy after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix finished. Despite a thrilling race that saw him battling McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Verstappen made headlines for different reasons. As the race concluded, it wasn’t his performance on the track but his demeanor during the podium ceremony that caught the public’s attention.
Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and current FIA steward, criticized Verstappen for what he perceived as ‘unprofessional and disrespectful’ behavior. The incident in question occurred during the podium celebrations when Verstappen chose not to engage in the traditional champagne spraying with fellow drivers Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. Herbert remarked that Verstappen, a four-time World Champion, seemed to lack the grace expected of someone in his position during defeat.
The race itself was not without its drama. Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty after he and Piastri went head-to-head in the first braking zone, which Verstappen navigated by cutting through the run-off area. This decision led to significant debate, especially as Verstappen finished 2.8 seconds behind Piastri. Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner defended their strategy, labeling the penalty as ‘very harsh’ and bringing evidence to the post-race media discussion. However, Herbert dismissed this defense as merely passing the burden onto the FIA and the stewards.
Herbert pointed out a contrasting situation on the very same track involving Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc, where similar actions resulted in the position being returned without a fuss. He suggested that had Verstappen followed a similar path, the outcome might have been different. His comments highlighted an ongoing debate about the consistency of rules and penalties in Formula 1, with many suggesting a more straightforward imposition of a 10-second penalty to avoid ambiguities.
The fallout from the race has left Verstappen sitting third in the Drivers’ Championship, trailing behind new leader Oscar Piastri by 12 points. The episode has added another layer to the season’s narrative, with fans and analysts alike speculating on the implications for future races.
Max Verstappen’s actions on the podium have ignited discussions around sportsmanship and race strategy. As the F1 season continues, these debates are likely to resonate throughout the community, influencing both team tactics and driver conduct.
