Max Verstappen issued critical warning: 'Have to be controlled'

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has stated Max Verstappen must drive in a more measured fashion as he nears a race ban.

After picking up three penalty points for colliding with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen is now just one point away from being forced to the sidelines.

Two points will drop off his license at the end of the month, following the upcoming rounds in Canada and Austria.

It means the Dutchman will need to navigate the next two events with care and ensure he doesn't find himself in trouble with the stewards for an on-track infringement.

“You've got to think about the penalty point situation, one point can be from very simple error of judgement,” Herbert told RoobetAlternatives.

“Does the driver need to think differently now? Yes. But, Max Verstappen is the smartest driver on the track. 

“The ability he has to make the rules bend to his advantage is unlike any other, he has so much mental capacity he can push to the limit but now he must be a smart racer.”

Verstappen is currently in the fight for the drivers' championship, but took a big hit on Sunday as his in-race time penalty dropped him from fourth to 10th.

He sits 49 points down on Oscar Piastri - and now, any push to close in on the Australian in wheel-to-wheel combat will need to be considered very carefully.

“Verstappen will still go for the championship, he's still winning races and getting pole positions so he's in a position that if the McLaren drivers have a bad weekend, he's right in the mix for the race win and the championship,” Herbert added.

“That one penalty point from being banned will be on his mind. 

“For years, Verstappen has been the chased but now he's the chaser, he'll have to be slightly more measured. Those little moments of aggression will have to be controlled.”