Former F1 driver points to ‘intimidation’ Verstappen tactic

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has claimed Max Verstappen’s rash overtake attempt on Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi was to intimidate McLaren.

Piastri was turned around by Verstappen on the opening lap of the grand prix, sending the Australian to the back of the grid.

Verstappen was issued a 10-second time penalty for the clash while Piastri recovered to 10th place.

McLaren won the constructors’ title in Abu Dhabi with Lando Norris dominating en route to victory – however the Woking-based squad is being tipped to be a key player in the drivers’ standings during 2025.

Speaking to Coin Poker, Herbert stated Verstappen recognised this and opted for an aggressive overtake attempt to send a message.

“It is all about intimidation,” Herbert said. 

“McLaren is going to be a threat to him next year. We have seen Oscar [Piastri] 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. You heard the radio communication and Oscar saying, ‘Good’, when he heard Max had been given a penalty. That’s great. We have someone else prepared to stand up to Max.”

Herbert added he expects to see more retaliation from Verstappen’s rivals throughout the 2025 F1 season.

“That is where we have seen a shift this season,” he said. “George [Russell] has been having a few issues and verbal confrontations with Max [Verstappen]. 

“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 [Hamilton], and we will be seeing more of it from Lando as well.