Jos Verstappen has been unimpressed with Johnny Herbert (Image: Getty)
Johnny Herbert has insisted that relations between himself and are still strong, despite complaints from his son, , about the steward’s decision-making, and comments on his language.
Herbert has made an enemy of Verstappen Jnr over the past handful of months. His first agitation was to question the three-time world champion’s swearing, siding with the FIA after the Dutchman was slapped with a controversial community service punishment at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The three-time Grand Prix winner also criticised Verstappen Jnr’s driving standards after the races in Austin and Mexico City. Herbert was part of the FIA stewarding team that hit the driver with two 10-second time penalties at the Mexican Grand Prix.
In response to the hotly-debated penalties, Verstappen Snr levelled some accusations at Herbert. “The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest,” he told De Telegraaf. “From former drivers, for example, who have more sympathy for certain drivers or [teams].”
Despite Verstappen Snr’s bold claims about Herbert’s alleged biases, the Brit maintains that relations between the pair are still healthy and that their long-standing friendship is still intact.
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Johnny Herbert believes he and Jos remain on good terms (Image: Getty)
Speaking to , Herbert said: “I don’t think we have a beef with each other. It is everyone else stirring it up around us. We both have our opinions. As far as I am concerned my relationship with Jos hasn’t changed.
“I like him. I have known him for a very long time. I love his sense of humour, and it is wonderful to see a father relish the enjoyment of his son’s achievements. I do not have a problem with Jos.
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“I think it is the same the other way around. If we saw each other in the paddock, I am sure we’d say ‘Hi’ and shake hands. He protects his son, and I respect him for that. You’d expect him to. If [we fought in the boxing ring], I’d make sure he would have mittens, and I would have the heaviest gloves you could buy. It would be one way!”
Despite the controversies and recent penalties, Verstappen Jnr looks set to claim a fourth Drivers’ Championship title at the expense of . The Dutchman needs to escape Las Vegas with an advantage of 60 points or greater to secure his crown.