with the latest jibe coming from the former Formula 1 driver and pundit. This rivalry, which has simmered for months, continues to captivate the motorsport world, particularly with Herbert’s recent comments on Verstappen’s success and his approach to racing.
Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver with a career spanning over a decade, is known for his candid opinions and straightforward commentary. His recent remarks have stirred controversy, with many in the F1 paddock taking notice. The tension began when Herbert made comments about Verstappen’s on-track behavior, suggesting that the Red Bull driver’s aggressive tactics were sometimes over the line. Herbert, who raced in the 1990s and early 2000s, has long been an advocate for clean racing, and his comments regarding Verstappen’s perceived lack of respect for rival drivers raised eyebrows.
In his latest jibe, Herbert remarked that Verstappen’s dominance in the sport has made him “untouchable,” a sentiment that could have deeper implications for the Dutch driver’s reputation. While Verstappen has been nothing short of exceptional in recent seasons, with multiple World Championships and a near-untouchable lead in the 2024 season, Herbert’s comments highlight a perceived shift in how Verstappen is viewed by some of the F1 establishment.
Herbert’s criticisms seem to stem from Verstappen’s approach to defending his position on track. Verstappen has gained a reputation for being fiercely protective of his place, with some of his overtaking and defensive maneuvers seen as borderline aggressive or even dangerous by certain pundits and competitors. While Verstappen’s fans argue that this is simply a sign of his intense competitive spirit and will to win, Herbert sees it as a potential flaw in the younger driver’s style. Herbert has repeatedly claimed that the new generation of drivers, including Verstappen, lack the “old-school” respect for their rivals that characterized racing in his own era.
On the flip side, Verstappen has not been shy about defending himself, pointing out that he has earned his success through hard work, dedication, and a level of skill that has been unrivaled in recent years. The Dutchman has been outspoken in the past about the criticism he faces, stating that he’s simply racing to win and that there is no room for politeness in F1. He has argued that the sport has evolved, and so has the approach to racing, with a much higher emphasis on aggression and mental fortitude.
This clash of philosophies – Herbert’s ideal of fair play and Verstappen’s modern, no-holds-barred approach – has created a compelling narrative that seems to grow with every race. Verstappen’s critics claim that his on-track tactics are a reflection of an entitled mentality, especially given his success with Red Bull. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s supporters argue that his results speak for themselves, and that his way of racing is simply a product of the current competitive landscape.
The tension between Herbert and Verstappen is not just a personal feud but reflects a broader debate within motorsport culture: whether Formula 1 is moving too far away from its roots of respectful competition or if the sport has naturally evolved into a more ruthless, high-stakes environment. As long as Verstappen continues to dominate, this rivalry between him and Herbert will likely continue to be a talking point within the F1 community. The latest comments from Herbert only add fuel to the fire, ensuring that the saga will remain in the headlines for the foreseeable future.
