Herbert: Family Life Has Softened Max Verstappen

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes that Max Verstappen’s recent transition into fatherhood has tempered his on-track aggression, describing the four-time champion as a "softer" figure compared to his earlier years. While Herbert acknowledges that Verstappen still possesses the competitive fire seen in his clash with George Russell in Spain, he argues that the Red Bull driver has matured massively since becoming a parent.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's mentality has been the cornerstone of Red Bull's recent dominance. Any perceived shift in his ruthless approach or focus could significantly alter the competitive balance at the front of the grid, especially as rivals like Lando Norris and McLaren continue to close the performance gap.

The details:

• Family Influence: Herbert, speaking on the Stay On Track podcast alongside Damon Hill, pointed to the birth of Verstappen's daughter, Lily, ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix as a turning point. He noted that while Verstappen appears "softer" overall, the raw speed and occasional aggression remain.
• Maturation vs. Aggression: The Briton highlighted the incident in Spain where Verstappen banged wheels with George Russell as proof that the "old Max" isn't entirely gone, but the overall demeanor has shifted towards a more mature champion.
• Potential Distractions: Damon Hill added another layer of concern, suggesting that Verstappen's ambition to compete in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring or Spa could serve as a distraction from his Formula 1 commitments.
• Motivation for Redemption: Despite the comments about softness, Herbert is under no illusion about Verstappen's hunger. He predicted that the Dutchman will be eager to reclaim his throne and won't let any rival, including Lando Norris, rest on their laurels.

What's next:

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if this "softer" approach impacts his race craft or if it simply represents a more calculated, mature champion at the peak of his powers.