Herbert: Russell and Piastri not shy to put the heat on Verstappen

Speaking ahead of Round 11 of the 2025 F1 World Championship, Herbert first addressed Red Bull’s conduct in Canada, the rising stature of Russell and Piastri, and his belief that Arvid Lindblad is ready to replace Verstappen if needed.

Herbert criticised Red Bull Racing for what he saw as unnecessary protesting George Russell’s defensive driving in Canada, calling it a petty move in the wider context of racing: “Red Bull’s protest wasn't something that impressed me. It was a part of the gamesmanship that is motor racing.

"That's what Max has done, that's what George has done; Lewis has played that game, Senna has played that game. We all play that game. And that's part of trying to get yourself in the best possible position.”

Herbert argued that such protests were often less about upholding the rules and more about psychological warfare: “When someone goes off the circuit or crosses the white line, they're on the radio straight away, every single driver, playing into the race director, trying to get their fellow driver penalised

"Was it a petty protest? In some ways, yes, because it's part of racing. It was trying to get George thrown out,” explained Herbert, a veteran FIA Formula 1 steward, during an interview with Vision4Sport, respected providers of Formula 1 tickets and packages.

The former F1 driver also highlighted the confidence and assertiveness shown by George Russell, particularly in the wake of his win in Canada, which has reignited his title challenge against Verstappen and the McLaren duo.

Herbert “Russell’s penalty comments were seen by Red Bull as stoking the fires. But that's what you do, that's the truth. That’s all about exerting pressure. It was evidence too that a lot of the drivers are standing up to the best driver on the grid at the moment, which is Max. That is part of the growth of George.”

Herbert sees this as a sign that Russell, like Oscar Piastri, is rapidly maturing into a driver capable of challenging Verstappen not just on track, but in the paddock politics as well: “That is only going to benefit him down the road when he has his contract fights with Max because Max is very aware that he's not going to be able to scare him into making a mistake.

“Same with Oscar; they're in a very similar path and mindset where they're using all the tools they can to try and get themselves in the best possible position. Max has done that over the years brilliantly. There's almost like a fight back,” he added.

Turning to the future, Herbert made a strong case for Red Bull to promote 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad to Formula 1 should Verstappen decide to leave the team. The young Briton is part of the Red Bull Junior Team and has impressed across all junior categories.

“But do you? When Lewis first jumped into the McLaren did he have experience? No. When Max jumped into the Alpha Tauri and jumped straight into the Red Bull and won his first race, did he have the experience? No,” Herbert said.

“You gain that experience, but if you've got the talent, you've got the drive and the mental strength you will succeed. I would probably push Arvid Lindblad. He has won races in every single form he's done, and who has moved up the ladder every single year. He is going to be running in the Red Bull very shortly," Herbert predicted.

He also believes Lindblad’s age should not be a concern. “He is coming up 18, but that wasn’t a problem for Max, and I don’t think it would be a problem for Arvid. He has been very well prepared and mentored by Red Bull and Helmut Marko. He would be the perfect fit for me. Go young.”

“There's a little bit of risk to it, but the way he goes about it, I think that would be very powerful for Red Bull. Experience is not everything. If the skill set is there, the experience is irrelevant. It gets better as you get older; Arvid has impressed in every Formula he has gone into.

"So yes, go young. Don't lose him. Don't lose this talent that's there. Nurture it. Bring it on," declared Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner in the nineties.