Former racer Johnny Herbert cautions current Formula 1 drivers not to get too comfortable in their seats. According to the Brit, there’s a real chance that Max Verstappen could start hunting for spots at other teams should Red Bull encounter problems in 2026. Herbert even dares to predict: ‘One, two, or perhaps even three or four more world championships will follow for Max’.
Max Verstappen made an impressive comeback in the drivers’ championship after the summer break. The gap between the Dutchman and championship leader Oscar Piastri was still 104 World Championship points after the Grand Prix in Zandvoort. However, after the GP Abu Dhabi, the gap to champion Lando Norris – who had meanwhile taken over the lead from his teammate – was only two points. In addition, Verstappen crossed the finish line first more often than any other driver in 2025, with eight victories to his name.
Although Red Bull seems to be on the upswing again after a slump in form, there are still concerns about the team’s situation for 2026. A new regulation will come into effect in the premier class next year, and the Austrians will be starting with their own power source for the first time. Former driver Johnny Herbert warns the rest of the grid that Verstappen – should he lose confidence in his team – could start hunting for the seats of other drivers.
‘Drivers Should Be Afraid’
“Every driver should be worried about their seat for 2027,” Herbert asserts to a betting platform. “Max Verstappen is aiming for one of those top seats, unless Red Bull really steps up next season. That’s the power Max has. He has an incredible ability to make others look over their shoulders as he moves up through the field.” The Briton then adds more fuel to the fire. “He intimidates you, and he will continue to use that intimidation when he reaches the point where he can decide where he wants to drive. That’s something the drivers should be afraid of again.”
According to the former driver, Verstappen is far from done with winning world championships, and it’s only a matter of time before the Dutchman claims the title again. “For me, it’s certain that one, two, or maybe even three or four more world championships will follow,” predicts Herbert. “He is the one who can choose and decide, and he is the defining factor in the drivers’ market.”
