Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has found himself in the middle of a heated controversy after slamming former F1 driver and commentator Johnny Herbert. The conflict stems from a recent “swearing” incident during an interview, which sparked tensions between the two.

Verstappen, known for his fiery demeanor both on and off the track, called out Herbert for his criticism surrounding the incident, leading to a public war of words. The issue began when Verstappen used strong language during a post-race interview, which Herbert, now a prominent F1 pundit, condemned as unprofessional.

In response, Verstappen hit back at Herbert, accusing him of being out of touch with the modern-day intensity of Formula 1. He expressed frustration over what he views as excessive media scrutiny, particularly regarding his in-the-moment emotions after races.

This verbal spat has led to divided opinions within the F1 community, with some fans supporting Verstappen’s right to express his emotions freely, while others side with Herbert, agreeing that a level of professionalism must be maintained in public settings. The saga has ignited a broader debate over how much leeway drivers should be given in high-pressure situations and how much media responsibility former drivers like Herbert hold.

As the feud unfolds, Verstappen’s relationship with the media will likely be under the spotlight even more, adding an extra layer of drama to the remainder of the Formula 1 season.