Former Formula 1 driver and ex-steward Johnny Herbert has strongly criticized drivers who, in his opinion, ‘abuse’ the leniency of the FIA during the first round of races. The Brit saw the recent Mexico City GP as a clear example of how drivers manipulate the rules without consequences. Several experts have already expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of time penalties for drivers like Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
The opening round of the Mexican Grand Prix sparked a lot of discussion. Four drivers – Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen – approached the first corner simultaneously. Verstappen and Leclerc opted for caution and cut the first corner combination via the grass. They both returned to the track unscathed. The FIA did not issue any penalties – much to the frustration of Johnny Herbert.
“The biggest problem for me is that the FIA ignores everything that happens in the first corner, the first round,” Herbert told AdventureGamers. “They hide behind the fact that the tires are not yet warmed up and the cars are not yet at full speed. I disagree with this. These are the best drivers in the world, yet they all mock that first round – probably because they know they can get away with it.”
Consistent Penalties
According to Johnny Herbert, both Verstappen and Leclerc benefited from a detour to the grass. “When Max tried to go around the outside and actually had no more room, he returned to the track without losing anything. Then we saw Charles cut corners without losing time – in fact, he actually gained time.” Lewis Hamilton later received a ten-second time penalty in the race after a similar incident. For Herbert, this highlights the inconsistency of the current approach.”
“If Lewis had simply braked and pushed Max back, I don’t think he would have been penalized,” he continued. “People were saying that a ten-second penalty was too harsh. But ten-second penalties should always apply in this case. Is it harsh? Yes. Was it harsh for Lewis? Yes. But you can’t say, ‘We’ll just give him five seconds.’ No, that doesn’t work.”
The Best Drivers in the World
Johnny Herbert advocates for the elimination of the ‘free pass’ that is supposedly in effect during the opening round. “The problem is that everyone takes advantage of the rules, knowing there are no repercussions. They all know that it’s a free-for-all in the first round.” The former driver calls for consistent enforcement – even in the chaos of the first few meters. “I don’t think it should be a free-for-all, because it’s part of the race. It’s part of the weekend. We’re talking about the very best drivers in the world.”
According to Herbert, there is no excuse for mistakes or opportunistic behavior, even with cold tires. “You should be able to judge when your tires are too cold. If you’re fighting for a position and make a mistake, you should be penalized. There were advantages gained in Mexico, but they were not recognized as such because the FIA turns a blind eye in the first round. I disagree with that. I think it’s wrong.”
