Ex-F1 steward backs Nico Rosberg over Max Verstappen dis...read

Former F1 Steward Supports Rosberg’s Call for Verstappen Disqualification

Former Formula 1 steward Johnny Herbert has publicly supported 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg’s assertion that Max Verstappen should have been disqualified from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix following a controversial collision with George Russell.

The incident occurred during the final laps of the race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. After a safety car period, Verstappen, instructed by his Red Bull team to yield position to Russell, appeared to deliberately collide with the Mercedes driver at Turn 5. Race stewards deemed Verstappen solely responsible, issuing a ten-second penalty and adding three penalty points to his super licence, bringing his total to 11—just one short of a race ban .

Rosberg, commentating for Sky Sports, labeled the move as “intentional retaliation” and called for a black flag, indicating disqualification. “He just rams him, full on,” Rosberg remarked during the broadcast

Herbert echoed Rosberg’s sentiments, stating, “Yes, I totally agree with Nico Rosberg, Max Verstappen deserved a black flag and should have been disqualified. There’s a point where you have to be hard on the driver when there have been many of these types of incidents.” He further criticized Verstappen’s actions as “clear as day” and “overstepping the mark” .

Verstappen initially defended his actions but later acknowledged his mistake, describing the move as “not right and shouldn’t have happened.” He issued an apology on social media, attributing his behavior to frustration over race dynamics and strategy

The incident has intensified scrutiny on Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, with many in the F1 community debating the adequacy of the penalties imposed and the precedent it sets for on-track conduct.