Herbert: “Verstappen is acting, he will never leave F1, but it’s true that these cars don’t test the driver”

A bit of ‘drama’ from Max Total and continuous pressure. Since the winter tests, Max Verstappen has not missed an opportunity to launch sensational attacks against the 2026 F1 cars. In Bahrain he defined this generation of cars as “Formula E on steroids” and after the Japanese GP he said that he would seriously consider abandoning the Circus because he doesn’t find it fun to drive regardless of the result he can fight for. In Miami, Red Bull definitely showed a different side to the point that Verstappen hit the front row in Qualifying. In the race the Dutchman put everything uphill with a spin at the start, but in the end he achieved a good fifth place which will certainly have boosted the morale of the four-time world champion. Former driver Johnny Herbert believes that Verstappen’s act was all an act based, however, on arguments and facts with which Herbert fully agrees: “Max exaggerated a bit – said the former driver reached by Jackpot City Casino – he will never abandon F1 because they are still the best cars around in the world of motorsport. It is probably still the strongest emotion you can feel while driving. Verstappen is acting to play a political game and I understand it perfectly. Verstappen and all the other drivers want a car that will challenge them. At the moment these 2026 F1s don’t do that and that’s why they are frustrated. However, we are trying to improve the situation through changes to the regulations and this will lead everyone to have a more positive approach. It would be important for at least one driver of the highest caliber to participate in the ‘table’ where decisions on the future of F1 are made because the impact of a driver’s participation could only have positive consequences.” Click here to add Formula Passion as your favorite source on Google Discover: you will find our content more easily!

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News , 2026-05-21 15:00:00