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Max Verstappen criticised again by Johnny Herbert

Herbert criticises Verstappen again: 'It's all about intimidation'

18 December at 07:00
  • Nicole Mulder

Former British racing driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has shared his current opinion on Max Verstappen. Herbert thinks Verstappen is beginning to feel 'intimidated' by the other drivers. 

Herbert thinks Verstappen is 'intimidated'

Herbert believes that with Max Verstappen, "It is all about intimidation. McLaren are going to be a threat to him next year. We have seen Oscar [Piastri] has the potential to win races and perhaps a world championship, as of course does Lando [Norris]. So, when you are wheel to wheel as they were in Abu Dhabi neither was going to give way." 

"You heard the radio communication and Oscar saying, ‘Good’, when he heard Max had been given a penalty. That’s great. We have someone else prepared to stand up to Max. That is where we have seen a shift this season." Herbert told Coinpoker.com 

Herbert even went as far as to mention Verstappen's skirmish with George Russell. "George [Russell] has been having a few issues and verbal confrontations with Max [Verstappen]. This is exactly what Max has done so well for years, using all the weapons he can, and that includes intimidation. The other drivers this year have said, 'OK, we are up for that.’ [Charles] Leclerc, Russell, Oscar, Lewis [Hamilton], and we will be seeing more of it from Lando as well." 

This article was written in collaboration with Savannah Lenz. 

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