Controversy has followed Max Verstappen over the last ten days – both on and off track. The Dutchman’s battles with Lando Norris have generated plenty of conversation about the stewards and how penalties are applied. Amidst these polemics, Verstappen is not pulling any punches about his thoughts on the stewards.
Max Verstappen responds to criticism
One of the biggest talking points in F1 is whether permanent stewards should be appointed. As it stands, the stewards what award penalties change from race to race.
In the eyes of many, these constant changes are responsible for the inconsistencies in penalty decisions.
Linked to this talking point is the issue of potential bias from the stewards room.
Earlier this week, Johnny Herbert (who acts at a steward at select Grand Prix) made some critical comments about Verstappen’s driving.
Herbert argued that Verstappen should avoid repeating the aggressive moves he made in Mexico.
This prompted a response from Jos Verstappen (Max’s father), who claims that Herbert has a conflict of interest – since he combines stewarding responsibilities with his media work.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian GP, the Dutchman was vocal about his concerns about bias in Formula 1:
“I know a lot of people are biased, and that I have the wrong passport,” he told the Dutch media.
“I’m very happy with my passport, mind you. But in this paddock, it’s the wrong one. I know how most people are.
“Last year, almost everything went perfectly. It must have hurt a lot of people so much that they couldn’t say anything negative.
“Now it’s all coming out and they’re going full steam ahead. They’re doing just fine. It doesn’t upset me.”
As the Championship battle continues to intensify, the stewards will be under even greater scrutiny in the coming rounds.
With three teams fighting for the title and capable of winning races, incidents at the front of the field are likely.
When these clashes happen, the stewards will be expected to make appropriate and – above all – consistent judgements.
