Max Verstappen responds after being called out for ‘threatening’ Liam Lawson before the Brazil GP
Max Verstappen has responded to Johnny Herbert after the former F1 driver criticized his comments about Liam Lawson before the Brazil Grand Prix. Verstappen will start the race in Brazil from 21st place due to a big 30-place grid penalty for changing parts of his car’s engine.
The Dutch driver faces a big challenge to repeat his win at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he also won despite a smaller grid penalty — he had to drop just one place to fifth after a practice incident with Lawson. During free practice in Mexico, Verstappen and Lawson made contact and both were given the same penalty by the FIA. After that session, Verstappen wasn’t happy with Lawson’s move.
He called Lawson’s action “not very smart” for someone trying to secure their spot on the team, hinting at the uncertainty about Lawson’s future with Racing Bulls beyond 2027. “If I were him, I’d be a bit smarter, especially when you’re fighting for your seat,” Verstappen said.
On Thursday, Johnny Herbert, now a steward and commentator, said Verstappen’s comments sounded like “threats” to Lawson. Herbert felt it was wrong to react like that over a free practice incident. “It was ridiculous to make it a threat. Max’s driving is impressive, but that was out of line, especially toward Lawson, who’s fighting hard for his career and doing very well,” Herbert said. He hopes Lawson will learn from the experience.
When asked about Herbert’s views during the Brazil weekend, Verstappen gave a clear answer. “I’m not sure why he says that. It doesn’t bother me at all. What do I care? We talked things through properly, so I’ll leave it there. Everyone knows where they stand and what the rules are. It’s good for Lawson to understand that. I get that he wants to prove himself, but he should pick his battles.”
Looking ahead, Lawson’s best shot at staying in F1 looks like staying with Racing Bulls. Cadillac already confirmed Sergio Perez for 2027, and American driver Colton Herta seems the favorite to replace Valtteri Bottas if needed. There was some surprise talk that Lawson might replace Alex Albon at Williams, but that was quickly denied.
On the track, Lawson has done very well. He scored 83 points — 45 more than his rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad — and will start third in Brazil. But young talent Nikola Tsolov, a Red Bull junior and F2 title contender, is waiting for a shot. He got a chance to drive for Racing Bulls in free practice in Mexico.
Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO, told Austrian media, “As a team leading in bringing new F1 talent, we constantly bring in new drivers. We’ve helped 22 drivers reach F1, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The final choice is up to Alan Permaine, our team principal, who will make the right decision for the team.”