P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Formula 1 race steward Johnny Herbert believes “we still have a lot of interesting racing coming our way” from Red Bull driver Max Verstappen after the Dutchman was penalised in the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Herbert, as one of the stewards overseeing the incident in Mexico City, issued Verstappen two 10-second penalties for forcing Norris off track, affecting the race outcome. Despite McLaren’s reaction, Herbert believed Verstappen’s actions were aimed at helping Ferrari secure a 1-2 finish, a strategy he disagreed with. Verstappen’s aggressive driving style and penalties sparked debate in the paddock, where McLaren and Red Bull officials had differing opinions on the severity of the punishment. Herbert emphasized the importance of fair racing and encouraged Verstappen to maintain his skill as a top driver, rather than resorting to controversial tactics. Verstappen, defending his actions, attributed his aggressive driving to his car’s performance issues, a reasoning Herbert did not support. Herbert expressed frustration with Verstappen’s behavior in Mexico, urging him to focus on driving well and avoiding unnecessary risks in the championship.
