Herbert: Verstappen in Brazil was an all-time great F1 drive

Reflecting on the Dutch driver’s charge through the field, Herbert said: “When you do a drive like Max Verstappen did, you deserve to be in the position. He has earned the world championship. That was a stunning drive. The conditions were tricky on a demanding track, and he dealt with it supremely.”

Speaking to the media team at SafestBettingSites.co.uk, Herbert likened Verstappen’s skill to that of Formula 1 legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, emphasising the confidence and control he displayed on the slippery Interlagos circuit.

“The belief he has in himself is one the true greats have,” Herbert said, noting that Verstappen’s composure resembled the "out-of-body experience" moments Schumacher and Senna once spoke of.

However, Herbert questioned why Verstappen couldn't replicate this performance the previous week in Mexico, where his strategy and racing decisions were called into question.

“The question for me again is why did he do what he did in Mexico when he showed in Brazil he didn’t need to,” Herbert added, suggesting that Mexico may have spurred Verstappen to refocus and deliver in Brazil.

60-year-old Herbert, known for his outspoken style, defended his role as a pundit with the right to critique drivers, including Verstappen.

Addressing the outspoken views of Verstappen’s father, Jos, Herbert commented: “Is there any bias? No, of course not. I wasn’t the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and Zak Brown thought so too.”

The Briton also questioned Jos's position to be so openly critical of Red Bull’s decisions, highlighting the difference between a steward’s neutrality on race weekends and a pundit’s freedom to speak.

Acknowledging Verstappen’s fortune with the timing of a race-altering red flag in Brazil, Herbert explained that “champions make their own luck.”

After the memorable victory in Brazil on Sunday, having shared the podium with the unlikely Alpine duo of Esteban Ocon in P2 and Pierre Gasly in P3, Verstappen cheekily poked fun at the absence of British journalists for the post-race press conference in Sao Paulo.

Herbert enjoyed the banter: “I loved Max’s sense of humour in the press conference. He is so aware of what is going on around him. That is why Max is so popular. Yes, he has an edge. You have to be, to be a champion.

“Sometimes in certain incidents, a lot of people don’t agree. I didn’t agree with what he did in Mexico, but he has shown that he can rise above it all and still does have a great sense of humour. He does get a bit of a hard time and sometimes doesn’t help himself, but fundamentally Max is a very decent guy," insisted Herbert.

He also noted George Russell’s strong performance, emphasising that Verstappen’s win wasn’t solely due to favourable circumstances. The second half of the season has seen a surge from McLaren and Norris, who has consistently applied pressure on Red Bull.

Herbert highlighted Norris’s progress, suggesting that he could pose a serious challenge if McLaren maintains its momentum: “Lando has to take the positives of what has happened this year. He has driven so well, got poles, and improved massively. He has a great chance of starting next year very strongly.”

Looking to 2025, Herbert believes Norris will enter the season confident he can challenge Verstappen, a prospect he finds exciting: “We haven’t seen the best of Lando yet, nor for that matter Max. There will be a lot to look forward to next season when they go head-to-head.”

Herbert also noted the competitive potential of other drivers, such as Oscar Piastri and George Russell, suggesting a new phase of competition among rising talents alongside Verstappen’s dominance.