Johnny Herbert is perplexed by Max Verstappen's statements in an interview with Sky's Italian side. The Dutchman admitted that he likes the fight with Ferrari better than the fight with Mercedes in 2021.
Johnny Herbert is perplexed by Max Verstappen's statements in an interview with Sky's Italian side. The Dutchman admitted that he likes the fight with Ferrari better than the fight with Mercedes in 2021.
"Disappointing, really, in many ways. He seems to just dismiss Lewis (Hamilton) immediately. They went straight to Charles and Ferrari, and the battle they had," Herbert told Sky Sports.
Verstappen revealed in the interview that he respects Ferrari for the way they are handling the title fight. Moreover, the Red Bull driver has been driving with Leclerc since they were young, so the two rivals know each other well.
The title fight against Ferrari is clearly much calmer compared to the fight against Mercedes in 2021. The two rivals have often engaged in heated battles on and off the track, with team bosses Toto Wolff and Christian Horner also frequently attacking each other. With Ferrari, there doesn't seem to be a heated political game.
Verstappen has had several exciting on-track battles with Leclerc this season, but the Dutchman has also faced Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Herbert doesn't understand where his comments are coming from.
"I thought he had enjoyed the battle they were having on the track, but clearly he wasn't enjoying it all. I don't understand why his comments would be so negative towards Lewis and the battle they had last year. I'm quite perplexed," concluded the Briton.