Max Verstappen’s recent statements about a possible departure from Formula 1 did not convince Johnny Herbert. The former driver of the category and former FIA steward stated that the four-time world champion is just putting pressure and he does not believe that he really thinks about leaving F1.
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Since the beginning of the season, Verstappen has been showing frustration with the new technical regulations and with the behavior of the current generation cars. The Red Bull Racing driver’s criticisms were intense and supported by several other drivers, to the point that the FIA promoted adjustments before the Miami GP to improve safety and the quality of on-track battles.
One of the most debated topics in the first races was the so-called ‘super-clipping’, which dominated conversations in the paddock between the Australian and Japanese GPs. For Herbert, the Dutchman’s statements are part of a strategy to draw attention from teams, officials, and the FIA itself about the direction of the category.
“He is playing a game and I totally understand that. He is playing with the teams, with Formula 1, and with the FIA, saying he will leave because the cars are not what he would like them to be,” Herbert said in an interview with a betting site.
The Brit believes that drivers like Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton should participate more directly in the decision-making process about the regulations. According to him, the drivers could contribute to creating more challenging and enjoyable cars to drive.
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“Max and all the drivers want a car that challenges them. The current cars do not do that and that is why they are frustrated,” Herbert said. The former driver also emphasized that Formula 1 still offers the most extreme experience in world motorsport.
For Herbert, despite recent threats and criticisms, Verstappen is unlikely to leave the category: “You will never leave F1, because these are still the best racing cars that exist. It is probably still the greatest thrill you can have driving,” he added.
The former steward also believes that the recent changes promoted by the FIA may make Verstappen more satisfied in the future: “We are getting closer and closer to having a more normal racing car, and that means Max will be in a better mental state,” he concluded.
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