Herbert wants stewards' to change approach "abused" by F1 drivers

12:06, 01 Nov

Updated: 12:29, 01 Nov

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byKada Sarkozi

ormer F1 driver and steward Johnny Herbert wants to see changes in how Turn 1 incidents are handled going forward.

"They tend to turn a blind eye because the tyres are cold and they're not quite up to speed and if something happens, they won't apply a penalty."

- Johnny Herbert

Several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, cut the first corners at the start of the Mexico City Grand Prix, as the leaders went four-wide into Turn 1.

The stewards issued no penalties for the incidents. Speaking to a betting site, Herbert said he would like to see that change.

He said: "They tend to turn a blind eye because the tyres are cold and they're not quite up to speed and if something happens, they won't apply a penalty.

“I don't agree with it. They're the very best in the world and as we saw in Mexico, did they all then take the mickey with that first lap? Probably yes, because they all could get away with it."

According to the Briton, neither Verstappen nor Leclerc lost time after leaving the track.

The battle into Turn 1 at the Mexico City GP - Photo: Race Pictures

Therefore, he would like to see the general approach changed, arguing that drivers should not be exempt from penalties just because it’s the first corner. Herbert believes that as a result, drivers “abuse” this and treat it as a “free-for-all.”

This sentiment was echoed by Fernando Alonso after the race, who commented "Lesson learned."

Herbert continued: “There were some advantages that were gained but they were not deemed to be advantages because they look at things very differently on the first lap. I don't agree. I think it's wrong.

The Briton added that the best drivers in the world should be able to deal with cooler tyres. “That's just part of racing. You've just got to be a bit smart.”

Hamilton's penalty 'harsh'

Hamilton battled Max Verstappen in the first sector. The seven-time world champion then cut Turns 4 and 5, for which he received a 10-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

According to the former steward, it was a 'harsh penalty.' He explained: “If Lewis had just slowed up and let Max get right off his backside, I don't think he would have got a penalty.

"Ten second penalties should be across the board whenever it may be.

“Is that harsh in some circumstances? Yes. Was it harsh on Lewis? Yes. But you can’t say, ‘We’ll just give him a five second.’ No, you can't do that."

Thanks to this penalty, the seven-time world champion finished in P8 in Mexico City, still looking for his first podium with Ferrari.