Max Verstappen might be losing his edge when it comes to intimidating other drivers on the track, according to former F1 driver Johnny Herbert.
The three-time world champion’s usual tactics aren’t working like they used to.
“It is all about intimidation,” Herbert explained. “McLaren are 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].”
The recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix showed just how much things have changed. Neither Verstappen nor Piastri backed down during their wheel-to-wheel battle.
When Verstappen got hit with a penalty, Piastri’s radio message was telling: “Good.”
“That’s great. We have someone else prepared to stand up to Max,” Herbert told Coinpoker.com. “That is where we’ve seen a shift this season.”
It’s not just Piastri who’s pushing back. George Russell has been getting into verbal spats with Verstappen throughout the year.
“This is exactly what Max has done so well for years, using all the weapons he can, and that includes intimidation,” Herbert said. “The other drivers this year have said, ‘OK, we are up for that.'”
The pushback is coming from all sides – Charles Leclerc, Russell, Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, and increasingly, Lando Norris.
For the first time in a while, F1’s top dog might be feeling some real pressure from his rivals. The 2024 season could get really interesting.
