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Former Formula 1 driver and current motorsport analyst Johnny Herbert has not always seen eye-to-eye with the Verstappen family. However, that hasn’t stopped him from acknowledging Max Verstappen’s dominance in the sport.
During the latter stages of the 2024 F1 season, both Max and his father, Jos Verstappen, voiced concerns over potential bias from FIA stewards. The governing body often rotates former racers as voluntary stewards for F1 events, but the Verstappens believed that Herbert’s outspoken criticism of Max’s racing style might influence his judgment.
Their concerns eventually led to Herbert being excluded from the stewarding panel this year. Despite this, the former racer remains objective about Verstappen’s capabilities and has lauded him as the strongest competitor on the grid.
Verstappen Still the One to Beat
Speaking to CasinoApps.com following Bahrain’s pre-season testing, Herbert reaffirmed his belief in Verstappen’s unparalleled skill.
“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,” Herbert stated.
While Verstappen remains the clear favorite, Herbert believes the real battle in the 2025 season will be between two major teams in the Constructors’ Championship.
McLaren vs Ferrari in 2025?
“In the constructors, however, it is between McLaren and Ferrari,” Herbert predicted.
“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.”
Despite the unpredictability of pre-season testing due to fluctuating weather conditions in Bahrain, Herbert has formed a strong opinion about who could challenge Verstappen for the Drivers’ Championship.
Lando Norris Poised for a Title Fight
“I’m going for Lando,” Herbert revealed. “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.”
However, Herbert issued a word of caution to Norris, reminding him not to overlook his own teammate.
“But he has to be very, very careful with his teammate, because I think Oscar is going to be in the mix too.”
As the 2025 Formula 1 season looms closer, Herbert’s insights add intrigue to what could be another thrilling year of racing.
