FIA steward Johnny Herbert has claimed that Max Verstappen’s collision with Oscar Piastri in Formula 1‘s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was about “intimidating” his rivals.
Verstappen attempted an ambitious lunge into Turn 1 at the season finale, tagging the rear wheel of Oscar Piastri’s McLaren and pitching both drivers into a spin.
The Dutchman was deemed to be at fault and was slapped with a 10-second time penalty for the collision – finishing in sixth place at the end as Piastri came 10th.
But while the clash didn’t cost McLaren the Constructors’ title, boss Andrea Stella labelled the move “unnecessary” with the championship on the line at that stage.
Piastri said it was “the move of a World Champion” on team radio, though the Red Bull driver sought to defuse the situation as he came out to apologise post-race.
However, ex-F1 driver Herbert believes that the move was a part of Verstappen’s plan to intimidate the competition heading into what could be a competitive 2025.
“It is all about intimidation,” Herbert told Coin Poker. “McLaren are going to be a threat to him next year.
“We have seen Oscar has the potential to win races and perhaps a World Championship, as of course does Lando [Norris].
“So, when you are wheel to wheel as they were in Abu Dhabi neither was going to give way.
Herbert pleased to see another driver stand up to Verstappen
Verstappen has endured a straightforward path to his previous three titles, with Lewis Hamilton the last to mount a serious challenge in that thrilling 2021 season.
Norris threatened to unsettle Verstappen in 2024, but numerous mistakes meant that the Dutchman clinched the Drivers’ Championship with three rounds to spare.
However, Herbert is convinced that Verstappen will have more rivals to contend with next term based on how much drivers “stood up” to him in the closing rounds.
“You heard the radio communication and Oscar saying, ‘Good’, when he heard Max had been given a penalty,” he added.
“That’s great, we have someone else prepared to stand up to Max. That is where we have seen a shift this season.
“George [Russell] has been having a few issues and verbal confrontations with Max.
“This is exactly what Max has done so well for years, using all the weapons he can, and that includes intimidation.
“The other drivers this year have said, ’OK, we are up for that.’
“[Charles] Leclerc, Russell, Oscar, Lewis, and we will be seeing more of it from Lando as well.”
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