Former FIA steward Johnny Herbert is sceptical that Max Verstappen will play a dominant role in the next Formula 1 era. From 2026 the top flight switches to new regulations; the power-unit formula will be overhauled and the chassis will undergo significant changes. These sweeping revisions promise to upheave the sport. According to Herbert, that could have consequences for the competitiveness of established champions.
“Max Verstappen is only human,” Herbert told a betting platform. “There’s a chance the new car doesn’t suit him. Yes, he’s currently the best on the grid, but that doesn’t automatically make him the quickest on track.” Herbert pointed to Lewis Hamilton, who won six titles at Mercedes, but enjoyed relatively little success during the recent ground effect-era.
‘Look at Hamilton’
“It all comes down to the car’s performance and whether the car matches your driving style,” Herbert explained. “Look at Hamilton last year; he didn’t suit his car and lost pace. So there’s also a chance the new regulations favour a particular type of driver. Lando Norris could benefit from the new car and further evolve as a racer, much like Max did after 2021.”
Herbert — also a well-known critic of Verstappen — admitted the new regulations might not play into the Dutchman’s hands, given the large influence drivers could exert in 2026. “There is always a chance a driver becomes more mature and more complete if a new car suits his driving style,” he continued. “Can Max be disadvantaged by the new regulations? Yes, because Formula 1 also has a human element. There are always inconsistencies and the best drivers try to minimise them. Drivers like Verstappen, Hamilton and Norris will have to adapt this year,” Herbert concluded. “External influences can quite easily decide the championship.”
