Johnny Herbert has praised Max Verstappen after the former driver was dismissed from the FIA, following “conflict of interest” claims.
Former Formula 1 driver and motorsport analyst Johnny Herbert has revealed his opinion toward four-time World Champion Max Verstappen.
During his time as a rotating steward, Herbert faced backlash from Max and Jos Verstappen over alleged bias in decision-making. The pair expressed concerns over Herbert’s stance on some of Verstappen’s on-track moves while serving as a steward.
It was then announced at the beginning of 2025 that the former driver would not be invited back for another year in his FIA role. Despite this, Herbert has been vocal about his praise toward the reigning world champion. Following pre-season testing the former steward stated:
“Max has done a good number of laps and he will always be in the running because for me he is the best driver on the grid at the moment. It is up to everyone else to change that.”
With the 2025 season just around the corner, Herbert believes this year can be anyone’s game. The veteran did, however, add to the growing number of voices tipping 2025 for Mclaren or Ferrari to take the Constructors’ Championship.
“In the constructors, however, it is between McLaren and Ferrari,” he noted. “I would still go for McLaren at the moment because I know how consistent that car has been on every circuit we have seen them on since the second half of the season. The Ferraris still have to prove that.”
Norris vs. Piastri: An Internal Battle
Whilst believing that 2025 is still Verstappen’s campaign to lose, Johnny Herbert believes two drivers may give Verstappen a run for his money: the McLaren pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Herbert suggested that Norris particularly has taken key lessons from his 2024 title fight with the Dutchman.
“I’m going for Lando,” Herbert said. “He’s got the knife between his teeth. He’s learned a lot from his fight against Max. I think he’s learned what he has to do to beat him.”
Oscar Piastri has countlessly proved his talent in motorsport. His calm and collected nature has made him a silent yet deadly opponent.
Herbert believes Norris, must be cautious of his teammate this year, as he believes the Australian will also be in the mix for a title fight.
“But he (Norris) has to be very, very careful with his teammate because I think Oscar is going to be in the mix too.”
The 2025 F1 season kicks off in a week’s time in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. In a season full of firsts for drivers and lasts for the sport, it is set up to be a thrilling year.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
