Max Verstappen issues response after being accused of 'threatening' Liam Lawson before Brazil GP

Max Verstappen has hit back at Johnny Herbert after the ex-Formula 1 driver criticised his comments about Liam Lawson before the Brazil Grand Prix.

Verstappen will start the race in Brazil from 21st place after taking a mandatory 30-place grid penalty for various power unit changes.

The Dutchman will have to go some way to replicate his victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, which he also won after receiving a grid penalty - albeit only a one-place drop, to fifth - for a practice incident with Lawson.

Verstappen and Lawson made contact during free practice two and were both punished by the FIA with the same sanction, and Verstappen was critical of the Racing Bulls driver after the session.

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Max Verstappen responds after Johnny Herbert comments

Verstappen described Lawson's move as 'not very smart behaviour from someone in his position', appearing to reference the uncertainty over his position in the Racing Bulls team ahead of 2027.

"If I were him I would act a little smarter, and when you're fighting for your seat it's not very smart behaviour," he said.

Speaking on Thursday, former F1 driver turned steward and pundit Herbert accused Verstappen of making 'threats' to Lawson with his comments.

"The worst thing with that incident was it was in free practice," Herbert said. "It was ridiculous. And then you have that threat at the same time. But then you see the other side of Max and his stunning drive to win the race. That's what we've always seen with him.

"I think it was out of order. It came across to me as a threat. That's not how you go about your racing. It was totally and utterly out of order ... especially against Lawson who is fighting for his career and doing a bloody good job. He's been very strong. He's definitely grown over the last couple of seasons. Hopefully this is a type of experience, actually, that will benefit him."

When asked about those comments during the Brazil Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen gave a definitive response.

"Do I understand why he says that? I don't know," Verstappen told Formule1.nl. "Actually, it doesn't bother me at all. What do I care?

"Everything [with Lawson] has simply been discussed properly. So I'll leave it at that. I think that, in general, it is reasonably clear where things stand and what the rules are. Ultimately, I think it is also good for him to realise it.

"I understand that he wants to make a strong impression, but do that with someone else."

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Will Liam Lawson stay in Formula 1 for 2027?

As far as staying on the F1 grid is concerned, Lawson's only realistic option appears to be retaining his seat at Racing Bulls. Cadillac have not only confirmed Sergio Perez for 2027, though American driver Colton Herta appears to be the leading contender to replace Valtteri Bottas if a change is made in the second seat.

Surprising speculation also emerged on Saturday that the New Zealander could replace Alex Albon at Williams, though that speculation was swiftly denied by various sources.

As far as on-track performances go, Lawson could have done little more. He has scored 83 points - 45 more than rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad - and will start the Brazil Grand Prix from third on the grid.

But waiting in the wings is F2 title contender Nikola Tsolov, who is a Red Bull junior driver and who was given the opportunity to drive for Racing Bulls in free practice in Mexico.

READ NEXT: Liam Lawson continues little-known streak in Mexico GP that should secure his F1 future

"As a team that plays a leading role in developing new Formula 1 talent, it's our job to continually bring new drivers into the series," Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer told Austrian outlet ORF in Mexico.

"We've already helped a total of 22 drivers make it to Formula 1, including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The decision will ultimately rest with Alan [Permaine, team principal]. He'll make the right decision for the team."