Johnny Herbert calls Max Verstappen “disrespectful” for not spraying champagne during podium celebrations in Jeddah: “You have to be gracious in defeat”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was leading the recent race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, but his five-second penalty spoiled his chances of crossing the finish line first. Later in the race, Oscar Piastri took the lead and went on to win his third Grand Prix of the season. Now, former racer and F1 pundit Johnny Herbert has called Verstappen “unprofessional and disrespectful” for not spraying champagne as usual while taking part in the celebrations on the podium with Piastri and Charles Leclerc, who came third in the race.
After winning the last two editions of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen had moved a step closer to another victory by securing pole position in the qualifying session in Jeddah. He looked slightly upset about being given a five-second penalty for his lap one incident with Oscar Piastri.
Criticising Verstappen, Johnny Herbert told The Independent, "I saw Max Verstappen drink the champagne on the podium and didn't really celebrate [with] Oscar or Charles – it comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful, from a four-time world champion. You have to be gracious in defeat sometimes. I don't know how people will argue that it was an unfair penalty.”
He also slammed those who sympathised with Verstappen for his penalty and said that those people “have probably never been in a race car, and definitely not in an F1 car so they have zero understanding.”

He didn’t spare Red Bull team principal Christian Horner either and said, “He's trying to do what's best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you're wrong and give the place back. Most drivers are very aware of when they should give the place back."
Verstappen, however, was full of praise for Piastri while interacting with the media. He reminded the media that Piastri is just in his third year of F1 racing and already has a solid presence on track. He also praised him for his calm approach and for not making mistakes on the track.
Also Read: Max Verstappen is mighty impressed with McLaren rival Oscar Piastri: “He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes”
The drivers are currently taking a breather before returning for the Miami Grand Prix in Florida, scheduled for May 2–4.