Former F1 driver claims Max Verstappen’s dominance is ‘not good’ for the sport

Johnny Herbert was concerned about Max Verstappen's incredible success streak in 2023.

Former F1 driver claims Max Verstappen’s dominance is ‘not good’ for the sport

Johnny Herbert (image via PlanetF1) Max Verstappen (image via Daily Express)

Max Verstappen is currently the driver to beat in Formula 1. The Dutch driver has truly annihilated the competition with outstanding performances this season. The two-time world champion has won eight races this season, with Red Bull bagging all victories. However, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert reckons the 25-year-old’s dominance is not ideal for the sport.

Herbert was asked to predict the winner of the Dutch GP. The former Benetton driver replied swiftly and mentioned that it would be none other than local hero Max Verstappen. However, the Briton mentioned that this staggering performance of the Dutch driver and Red Bull is not good for the sport. He stated, as reported by Motorsportsweek, “Short answer? Max is going to win! And that’s great for him and Red Bull but not necessarily for the sport.”

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The former F1 driver was convinced that such domination might benefit the Max Verstappen and the Milton Keynes-based team, but it would harm the sport. Only one team and one driver would be fighting for the title. Johnny Herbert said, “From the racing point of view it is not a good thing. If all they want to do is dominate. We want to make the sport better.”

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Red Bull worry Johhny Herbert

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez celebrating the Belgian GP 1-2 with Red Bull crew (image via The Drive)
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez celebrating the Belgian GP 1-2 with the Red Bull crew (image via The Drive)

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner had clarified that the Austrian team wants to continue its success streak and does not want closer competition. Herbert mentioned that this mentality has made him cautious, as it could harm the sport in the long run. The Briton explained, “Christian Horner has made it clear that Red Bull have no intention of letting up and not dominating the sport. That worries me.”

The Milton Keynes-based team has continued to improve the RB-19 throughout the season. So far, no team has come close to challenging Verstappen regarding race-pace, with teammate Sergio Perez not far behind. As such, it seems that at least for the remainder of the 2023 season, the reigning world champions will continue to dominate Formula 1.

Johnny Herbert has warned that Max Verstappen’s dominant run with Red Bull will not benefit Formula 1. The former F1 driver highlighted the need to make the sport more competitive with, ideally, multiple teams fighting for the title. However, it remains to be seen if rivals such as Ferrari or Mercedes can put a challenge to Milton Keynes.

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