Another harsh comment on the start of the F1 Mexican Grand Prix: Johnny Herbert criticizes Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen
The controversy surrounding the first corner in Mexico seems destined to continue until the next race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Many figures in the paddock are calling for changes, whether that means adding gravel or creating escape areas with clear speed limits. However, some are urging the FIA to take a different kind of action: stewards should stop “turning a blind eye” to what happens at the start.
This is the opinion of Johnny Herbert, who believes the Federation has been too lenient with what occurs in the opening meters of the race. Interviewed by AdventureGamers, the former steward did not mince his words: “These are the best drivers in the world, and they might have made fun of the rules on that first lap. Everyone knew they would get away with it.”
Herbert: “Leclerc and Verstappen deserved a penalty”
The British former driver is calling for a stronger stance from the stewards: “When Max tried to go around the outside and got squeezed, he preferred to cut the corner, coming back on track without losing anything. Then Charles did the same thing and not only didn’t lose anything, but he gained. He was side by side with Lewis, but in the end he found himself ahead of Max. So he was second and received no penalty for it.”
“My problem is that, looking at what happened in Turn 1, it’s clear they all took advantage of the situation. They knew there wouldn’t be any consequences. I don’t think the start should be a ‘free-for-all’: these are the best drivers in the world, and they must know that their mistakes can lead to penalties, even with cold tyres and while fighting for position.”
“There were drivers who gained an advantage in that corner, but the stewards judge things differently on the first lap. I think that’s wrong. These are the best drivers in the world, they know how to handle these situations. It’s part of racing,” concluded Johnny Herbert.
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