FIA steward calls Verstappen's tactics an intimidation strategy against McLaren for next season

The end of the Formula 1 season was marked by a clash between Max Verstappen and McLaren. During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the reigning champion forced Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris off track, with Piastri claiming Verstappen also made threatening comments toward him. However, FIA steward Johnny Herbert has offered insight into the Dutch driver's actions.

Details: The former Formula 1 driver believes it’s a case of simple intimidation. With McLaren challenging Verstappen, Herbert suggests the Piastri-Norris duo has the potential to achieve greater success, which doesn't sit well with the Red Bull leader.

Quote: "It’s all about intimidation. Next year, McLaren will be a threat to him. We’ve seen that Oscar Piastri has the potential to win races and perhaps even a world championship, just like Lando [Norris].

So when you’re racing wheel-to-wheel, as we saw in Abu Dhabi, no one is going to back down. You heard the radio exchange and Oscar’s ‘Alright’ when he found out Max got a penalty. That’s brilliant. We’ve got someone else who’s ready to stand up to Max," Herbert said in an interview with Coin Poker.

Reminder: Next season, Verstappen will partner with Liam Lawson, as Red Bull management has decided to part ways with Sergio Perez.