Ex-FIA Steward Declares Max Verstappen Should’ve Been Disqualified from Spanish GP over George Russell Clash

Johnny Herbert believes that Max Verstappen must face stricter consequences for his actions against George Russell at the Spanish GP.

Ex-FIA Steward Declares Max Verstappen Should’ve Been Disqualified from Spanish GP over George Russell Clash

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), George Russell (via Getty)

Max Verstappen‘s controversial collision with George Russell continues to remain under scrutiny. A majority of the people believe that the Dutchman intentionally collided just to prove his point and potentially sabotage Russell’s race as well. Amidst a sea of Verstappen’s naysayers, ex-FIA Steward Johnny Herbert has also called for the reigning world champion to face stern consequences following his tactics in the race.

Max Verstappen received a ten-second time penalty for causing a collision with George Russell and was also awarded three penalty points. It seems that the Dutchman has served due course following his controversial move at the Spanish GP. However, many people, including Nico Rosberg refuse to let the 27-year-old loose so easily.

Johnny Herbert sided with Rosberg’s previous claims of showing the Dutchman a black-flag following his petty tactics. Herbert asserted that he totally agreed with the ex-F1 champion’s claims, as Verstappen indeed deserved to face the dire consequences of his actions. The axed F1 Steward reiterated that the 27-year-old needed to get a black flag and disqualification from the entire race following the incident.

I totally agree with Nico Rosberg: Max Verstappen deserved a black flag and should have been disqualified.

Johnny Herbert told RoobetAlternatives

Herbert got back into his stewarding mindset and claimed that there was a certain point after which the officials needed to be harsh on the driver. The increasing number of such incidents proved that the drivers needed stricter consequences. The 60-year-old reckoned that while Max Verstappen was a great driver in the pinnacle of motorsport, there was always a story involved with him during his low points on track.

There’s a point where you have to be hard on the driver when there have been many of these types of incidents. Verstappen is the best driver on the track, with the best racecraft and judgement, but there is always a story with him.

Johnny Herbert added

Johnny Herbert claims Max Verstappen’s ill intent ‘clear as day’

Max Verstappen refused claims of having intentionally collided with George Russell, regardless of the massive scrutiny behind his move. The Dutchman even teased Russell for his childish comments, which further strengthened his point of view. Still, Johnny Herbert believes that Verstappen’s real motive was clearly visible as he crashed into the Mercedes star.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Johnny Herbert noted that Verstappen’s ill intentions were clear as day despite the FIA and others rejecting the idea. Herbert highlighted that the Dutchman waited in the corner for the right moment and attacked Russell to regain his lost position in the pecking order. The 60-year-old insisted that the Dutchman overstepped the mark by doing this and lost all credibility as an amazing Formula 1 driver.

It was clear as day that Verstappen’s move on George Russell was on purpose. He backed out at the right corner, where he could then attack and retake the place by driving into Russell. To me, that’s overstepping the mark.

Johnny Herbert noted

Verstappen’s weekend at the Spanish GP ended on a massively disappointing note as he would like to put the entire weekend behind him. Red Bull’s performance struggles were evident in Barcelona as well, despite the ongoing upgrades in the car. As such, the team will hope for a miracle in reviving their performance as they aim to compete with the rivals at the forefront. Time will tell if the Austrian constructor manages to bridge the gap in performance, especially with the McLarens.

Also Read: Ralf Schumacher Outlines Bold Theory over Max Verstappen’s Spanish GP Fallout