Max Verstappen Warns F1 Rivals: Overtaking Won’t Scare Them Anymore

Max Verstappen has built a reputation as one of Formula 1’s hardest racers, but some in the paddock say things are changing.

Former F1 driver and experienced FIA steward Johnny Herbert believes Verstappen’s rivals no longer fear his methods on track.

Herbert pointed to the recent Spanish Grand Prix as an example, where Mercedes’ George Russell pulled off a decisive move on Verstappen at Turn 1 during a safety car restart.

Russell’s overtake, while risking contact that could have led to a penalty, was described by Herbert as “damn good.”

He noted that such aggressive moves were once Verstappen’s signature, but now, other drivers are more willing to challenge him directly.

Herbert said Verstappen’s aggressive side used to intimidate other drivers, making them more cautious.

Now, though, Herbert thinks the grid is “up for the challenge,” leading to Verstappen facing more direct battles throughout races.

He explained, “I want all the drivers to be pushed to the absolute maximum,” emphasizing that tough on-track fights bring out the best racer.

Herbert also mentioned that with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fighting at the front, along with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Russell, points are often taken from each other.

Verstappen now faces an environment where he has to defend as hard as he attacks, with multiple drivers standing ready to capitalize on any opportunity.

The race in Spain showcased not just tough overtaking, but also a controversial clash.

After being challenged by Russell, Verstappen later made deliberate contact with Russell’s car at Turn 5, sparking debate about acceptable driving standards in F1.

This incident has been widely discussed in media outlets covering the Verstappen-Russell clash.

Herbert discussed this incident, recalling past moments in the sport such as Michael Schumacher’s battle with Damon Hill in 1994, where racing ethics were questioned.

He argued that moments like these—the “dirty part of racing”—should be stamped out of Formula 1 to keep the competition fair and based on pure speed and skill.

Herbert’s comments drew attention because he has been involved in high-tension F1 seasons himself.

In the 1994 campaign, Herbert replaced Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, at Benetton for the last two rounds.

Schumacher won his first championship that year after a major crash in the finale left Hill unable to continue, a memory Herbert says still stings for many in the paddock.

With Verstappen pushing for his fourth drivers’ championship, the season has become even more unpredictable.

McLaren’s Norris and Piastri currently lead the driver and team standings, but Verstappen is close behind.

Heading into the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, the points race is tight: Oscar Piastri has 186 points, Lando Norris has 176, Verstappen is third with 137, then Russell with 111 and Leclerc at 94.

The changes on track also reflect a shift in the drivers’ attitudes.

As Verstappen faces more rivals unafraid to take him on, fans can expect closer races and tougher wheel-to-wheel fights at every round.

The next races at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal and then Austria’s Red Bull Ring may provide more examples of this new dynamic.

With the season running through August and beyond, every point counts as the established stars and younger contenders battle for F1’s top spot.

For more on how this season’s in-season challenge is shaping the dynamics of motorsport, stay tuned.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.