Former F1 driver and former FIA Steward Johnny Herbert saw a great performance by Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix. The driver compared him to seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
The Dutchman managed to claim his first victory of the season at the Suzuka Circuit, after he converted his pole position into a victory last Sunday.
While Herbert often criticised Verstappen in the past, the Briton was amazed by the defending world champion’s performance.
“It was interesting that before the race, Max Verstappen came out with a very Michael Schumacher-esque comment which was, ‘I don’t have a chance this weekend!’ And that’s exactly what I remember Michael used to do!” Herbert began to a betting site.
“Then he’d win the race and everybody would go, ’Wow, what a performance.’ I have to say that Max’s performance confirmed he is the greatest driver of his generation,” he further praised the driver.
Verstappen vs the McLarens for the title
Currently, a single point separates Lando Norris and Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, while Oscar Piastri is 13 points behind the Red Bull driver.
“I’ve never ruled him [Verstappen] out, you can’t rule him out. And Red Bull are not far off and haven’t been far off so far this season. It’s just, it’s just McLaren slightly got that edge.”
Therefore, Herbert sees that McLaren should have converted their car’s performance into a more convincing lead in the standings. “In some ways, yes [this Verstappen victory is damaging]. Because, like last year with Max, and like Michael Schumacher in his heyday, they always won the championship by their early-season form and everybody else played catch-up.”
“We’re a few races in and Norris is only one point ahead, so they haven’t capitalised as much as they should have done.”
The current tripleheader in F1 is set to continue this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
