The 2024 Formula 1 season concluded with a dramatic finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen found himself at the center of controversy yet again. The reigning World Champion, known for his aggressive driving style, attempted a bold move on McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri at Turn 1. This incident not only resulted in penalties for Verstappen but also ignited a broader discussion about his tactics. Former F1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert weighed in, describing Verstappen’s move as “all about intimidation” in preparation for the highly anticipated 2025 season.
The Incident: Verstappen’s Controversial Lunge
At the first corner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen attempted an aggressive overtake on Oscar Piastri, tagging the McLaren driver’s tyre and sending both cars into a spin. This incident led to a 10-second penalty and two penalty points for Verstappen, marring what had otherwise been a near-perfect season for the Red Bull star.
Speaking after the race, Verstappen revealed that he sought out Piastri to apologize for the move, aiming to clear the air before the winter break.
“I didn’t want any weird feelings going into next season,” Verstappen shared.
Piastri, however, appeared less than impressed. The rookie sarcastically quipped on team radio:
“That was the move of a World Champion.”
While the crash had little impact on the race’s outcome—McLaren clinched victory through Lando Norris, and Verstappen’s title was already secured—it underscored the growing rivalry between Red Bull and McLaren.
Johnny Herbert: Verstappen’s Move ‘All About Intimidation’
Commenting on the incident, Johnny Herbert offered a candid perspective on Verstappen’s strategy, labeling it as a deliberate intimidation tactic aimed at unsettling future challengers.
“It is all about intimidation,” Herbert said in an interview with Coin Poker.
He elaborated on why McLaren poses a significant threat to Verstappen’s dominance:
“McLaren are going to be a threat to him next year. We’ve seen Oscar [Piastri] has the potential to win races and perhaps a World Championship, as does Lando [Norris].”
Herbert noted that Verstappen’s approach is not new, but it has become more apparent as rivals like George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton increasingly push back.
“Max has used every weapon at his disposal for years, and that includes intimidation. This season, we’ve seen other drivers say, ‘OK, we’re up for that.’”
Piastri’s sarcastic response and Norris’s strong showing in Abu Dhabi signal that McLaren, bolstered by its late-season resurgence, is ready to challenge Red Bull in F1 2025.
A Season of Resistance
One of the most striking features of the 2024 Formula 1 season was the emergence of stronger competition for Verstappen. Herbert highlighted a noticeable shift in the paddock, with drivers refusing to back down in wheel-to-wheel combat with the Red Bull star.
“George [Russell] has had his moments with Max, and Oscar has shown he’s not afraid either. Even Lando [Norris] is stepping up. This is exactly what the sport needs—a group of drivers willing to stand their ground.”
This newfound resilience among drivers could mark the beginning of a more competitive era. Herbert believes this dynamic will only intensify in 2025, with teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari closing the gap to Red Bull.
McLaren’s Resurgence and 2025 Implications
McLaren ended the season on a high note, securing a victory through Lando Norris and maintaining their position as Red Bull’s strongest challenger. With both Norris and Oscar Piastri demonstrating immense potential, McLaren is poised to make significant strides in the upcoming season.
Herbert pointed to this resurgence as a key factor in Verstappen’s aggressive tactics:
“When you’re racing against potential champions, it’s crucial to establish dominance early. Max knows this, and that’s why he made that move.”
The Abu Dhabi clash could be seen as a warning shot from Verstappen, signaling his unwillingness to yield to the rising stars of Formula 1. However, the penalties he incurred might also indicate that such tactics could backfire, particularly as the FIA clamps down on overly aggressive driving.
The Bigger Picture: Formula 1 in 2025
While Verstappen remains the man to beat, the dynamics within Formula 1 are shifting. Teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari are narrowing the performance gap, and their drivers are showing increasing confidence in taking the fight to the reigning champion.
The Abu Dhabi incident highlights a growing trend: younger drivers like Piastri, Russell, and Leclerc are unafraid to challenge Verstappen both on and off the track. This shift sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 season, where Red Bull may face its toughest competition yet.
Conclusion
The clash between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi may have been a minor incident in terms of the 2024 season standings, but its implications are far-reaching. Johnny Herbert’s claim that Verstappen’s move was “all about intimidation” underscores the psychological battles brewing in Formula 1.
As McLaren rises, and rivals like Norris, Piastri, Russell, and Leclerc continue to push back, Verstappen’s dominance could face its greatest test yet. Fans can expect an electrifying 2025 season, filled with high-stakes rivalries and battles for supremacy.
