Verstappen’s Saudi GP controversy sparks outrage from Johnny Herbert: ‘Unprofessional and disrespectful’ – The world of Formula One is rarely short of drama, but when a four-time world champion is not only sanctioned, but publicly condemned by a seasoned F1 pundit, the spotlight becomes particularly bright. Max Verstappen’s controversial actions during the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have sparked a wave of criticism – none louder than that of former F1 driver and expert Johnny Herbert, who minced no words in his scathing assessment of the Dutchman’s behaviour both on and off the track.
According to Herbert, the incident between Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in Jeddah was more than just a hard-fought battle between two elite competitors. It was emblematic of a shift in the competitive hierarchy that now firmly places McLaren’s Piastri in the same psychological bracket as the reigning world champion – and also highlighted Verstappen’s growing tendency to push the boundaries of sportsmanship.
Piastri’s bold move sends a message
The flashpoint came in the opening moments of the Saudi Grand Prix. As the lights went out and the cars surged forward, it was Piastri who made a daring move, positioning his McLaren firmly alongside Verstappen’s Red Bull on the inside line heading into Turn 1. It was a textbook manoeuvre of precision, timing and courage. But Verstappen, not to be outdone, opted for an escape route through the run-off area, rejoining the track ahead of Piastri and effectively nullifying the young Australian’s efforts.
This decision did not go unnoticed by the stewards. Verstappen was given a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage – a slap on the wrist, according to Herbert. While the penalty stood, Verstappen managed to claw his way back into second place, but it was Piastri who stood tall on the top step of the podium after a commanding performance that earned him the win.
Speaking to Beste Online Casino Nederland, Herbert was full of praise for Piastri’s growing stature in Formula 1.
“Piastri has just shown that he is capable of outsmarting Max Verstappen,” said the veteran commentator.
“His mental strength, speed, consistency and understanding of the race have been really impressive this season. He’s so rounded and calm on the radio. He’s doing everything he needs to do to become a world champion.”
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A penalty too light? Herbert thinks so
While the stewards deemed Verstappen’s offence worthy of a five-second time penalty, Herbert felt it was far too lenient. In his view, Verstappen’s off-track manoeuvre in Turn 1 amounted to a blatant circumvention of the race rules and should have been penalised with a ten-second penalty at the very least.
“If you overtake in Turn 1 but go completely off the track, that’s a ten-second penalty, not five,” Herbert argued. “He should have given the position back immediately. That’s the sporting thing to do. But because he didn’t, he was able to extend his lead and basically negate the penalty completely.
For Herbert, the incident wasn’t just an isolated breach of racing etiquette – it raised wider concerns about fairness and precedent. Given Verstappen’s considerable pace, a five-second penalty was not enough of a deterrent. “He could easily make up that time,” Herbert added, “which means the penalty doesn’t match the advantage he gained.”
“The corner belonged to Piastri”
Herbert went on to dispel any notion that Verstappen was simply a victim of circumstance in Turn 1. Some defenders of the Red Bull driver claimed there was no room to manoeuvre and that Verstappen had no choice but to go off track. Herbert strongly disagreed, arguing that the inside line was Piastri’s by right and that Verstappen had options – namely to back out.
“The corner was clearly Piastri’s. He positioned his car exactly where he needed to,” said Herbert. “As for Max, no, he can’t just disappear, but he could have abandoned the corner. That’s part of racing”.
He then recalled a valuable lesson passed on to him during his early years in F1 by 1976 World Champion James Hunt.
“James once told me: ‘Sometimes it’s better to give up a corner when you’ve lost it. And that’s exactly what Max should have done. But he didn’t.”
Post-race behaviour draws further ire
Herbert’s criticism didn’t stop at the on-track drama. Verstappen’s post-race behaviour was also of concern to the former driver. After finishing second, Verstappen chose not to celebrate on the podium with race winner Piastri and third-placed Charles Leclerc – a gesture that Herbert felt was inexcusable in the circumstances.
“That behaviour was unprofessional and disrespectful,” he said bluntly. “A four-time World Champion is expected to show a certain amount of grace in both victory and defeat. What Max showed in Jeddah was a bad example for younger drivers and fans.”
Herbert’s comments carry particular weight given his long history in the sport and his close association with several generations of F1 greats. As a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, Herbert has seen first-hand what true champions look like behind the scenes. He was quick to point out that Verstappen’s actions mark a worrying trend rather than an isolated incident.
“There is a responsibility that comes with being a multiple world champion,” he continued. “It’s not just about winning races – it’s about how you behave in the paddock, how you treat your rivals and how you represent the sport. Max failed that test in Jeddah.”
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A new rivalry brewing
For all the controversy, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Oscar Piastri is no longer just a rising star – he is a genuine title contender. His performance in Saudi Arabia showed not only talent, but a mental toughness that has long been seen as a hallmark of Verstappen’s own dominance.
In many ways, the comparison is apt. Both drivers possess a fierce competitive instinct, but Herbert believes Piastri’s discipline and composure could prove the difference in the long run.
“Mentally, Oscar is already there,” says Herbert. “He’s a cool operator, he doesn’t crack under pressure, and now he’s showing that he can beat the best, even if they don’t always play fair.”
The road ahead
With tensions flaring and rivalries intensifying, the 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory. As Verstappen attempts to defend his status at the top, he now faces a threat from McLaren that is more serious than anyone could have predicted a year ago. And if Johnny Herbert’s comments are anything to go by, Verstappen’s toughest opponent may not just be on the track – but in how the world now judges his actions off it.
As the circus moves to the next round, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if he responds with the humility of a champion – or doubles down on the combative style that has brought him glory, but also increasing scrutiny. Either way, F1’s new era of rivalries is well underway – and Piastri’s place in the story is now undeniable.
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Verstappen won his only race of the year today in Japan, when as in Jeddah a remarkable final effort in qualifying saw him pinch pole position by mere hundredths of a second. The resurfaced track in Suzuka meant that tyre degradation was minimal and this meant Verstappen was able to hold off the McLaren pair behind him as their superior tyre advantage was nullified.
A mistake from Verstappen in Jeddah, saw Oscar Piastri make the better start of the two on the front row and the stewards decided the resulting mess in turn one was the Red Bull driver ‘gaining an unfair advantage’ and a decisive five second penalty was issued to Max who…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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Herbert is a punk, jealous of a champion like none other. Who cares what he thinks, we all saw the race.
Not for JH to comment on how multiple world champions do – or should – behave … he never was one – and I’m afraid he seems to have conveniently forgotten MS’s tactics of taking out opponents who were close to taking the title from him – more than once!
Vettle, who also had success like Max when he was young, could be a bit petulant early on, but as he matured he behaved like a real sporting champion like many other before. Max however is now acting like a spoilt child who has had his favorite toy taken from him. He will not be remembers as a real sporting champion.
How often has Verstappen made a similar move whilst contesting a corner? Perhaps Whinger Spice and Verstappen should concentrate more on the dynamics of the team and cars, rather than extending the complaints over one lost corner.
It doesn’t matter what people think he is.