F1 LIVE: Max Verstappen’s hidden radio message speaks volumes as driver branded ‘disgrace’ | F1 | Sport
FIA steward Johnny Herbert has firmly denied any accusations of bias after Max Verstappen suggested that he was being harshly treated at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Herbert was part of the stewarding panel that handed Verstappen two 10-second time penalties at the Mexican GP, and then at the Brazilian Grand Prix when he picked up a five-second penalty for a virtual safety car infringement.
The 60-year-old also gave comments to the media after the race in Mexico, criticising Verstappen’s aggressive behaviour and suggesting that the three-time world champion should tone things down in his battle with Lando Norris.
These comments did not go down well with Jos Verstappen, who told Dutch media: “I think a steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all and just deliver work all the time. And that’s certainly not the case now.”
Herbert has now hit back, telling SafestBettingSites.co.uk: “Everyone has an opinion. Why can’t I when I am not at the race track? The race track has been my world for 50 years. If I don’t quite agree with what I see on the race track I will say so. It is not just Max. I’ll criticise anyone if I feel it is warranted.
“Jos has always been very outspoken about what is happening at Red Bull. Is that his position to be? It is all very similar. If you have an opinion and you want to make it, then you can.”
