Former Formula 1 driver and ex-FIA steward Johnny Herbert has publicly called for Max Verstappen’s disqualification following his controversial collision with George Russell during the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. Herbert’s stance aligns with that of 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg, who also advocated for a black flag penalty, asserting that Verstappen’s actions were deliberate and warranted immediate disqualification. Herbert emphasized the need for stricter enforcement, stating, “I totally agree with Nico Rosberg: Max Verstappen deserved a black flag and should have been disqualified” .
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. After being instructed by his race engineer to yield position to Russell due to an earlier track limits violation, Verstappen appeared to comply but then accelerated and made contact with the Mercedes driver at Turn 5. This maneuver led to a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points on Verstappen’s super licence, bringing his total to 11—just one point shy of an automatic one-race ban .
Herbert, known for his critical views on Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, expressed concern over the repeated nature of such incidents. He remarked, “There’s a point where you have to be hard on the driver when there have been many of these types of incidents. Verstappen is the best driver on the track, with the best racecraft and judgement, but there is always a story with him” . This perspective suggests a pattern of behavior that, in Herbert’s view, necessitates more severe consequences to uphold the integrity of the sport.
The FIA’s decision to issue a time penalty rather than a disqualification has sparked debate within the Formula 1 community. Critics argue that the punishment was insufficient given the apparent intentionality of Verstappen’s actions. The incident has reignited discussions about the consistency and adequacy of penalties in Formula 1, especially concerning actions that compromise safety and sportsmanship.
As the season progresses, Verstappen’s accumulation of penalty points places him in a precarious position, with any further infractions potentially leading to a race ban. This situation underscores the importance of adherence to racing standards and the consequences of repeated violations. The FIA’s handling of such incidents will continue to be scrutinized, as stakeholders advocate for measures that ensure fair and safe competition.
