F1: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen under fire as Herbert and Hill say “focus on driving, not complaining”. Max Verstappen faces criticism from Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill .

Max Verstappen’s growing frustration with the new technological era of Formula 1 is sparking intense debate across the paddock, drawing in some of the sport’s most respected former champions. After labeling the 2026 cars a “joke” and strongly criticizing the heavy energy management required from drivers, the three-time world champion has now come under fire from Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill. In today’s Formula 1 environment, where adaptability is crucial, Verstappen’s complaints are increasingly being interpreted as a sign of frustration linked more to Red Bull’s loss of competitiveness than to genuine concern for the spirit of racing.

Herbert’s blunt take: “Be quiet and drive, you haven’t had a bad career”

Johnny Herbert did not hold back when commenting on Verstappen’s outburst, suggesting that the Dutch driver should show more appreciation for the success he has already achieved. Speaking on the Stay on Track podcast, the former British driver emphasized how perception can change dramatically depending on the car at a driver’s disposal. “In many ways, the answer is yes: he should keep quiet and focus on racing. It’s incredibly easy to smile when you’re sitting in the best car, while everything becomes a struggle when the machinery isn’t up to the same level,” Herbert remarked.

“Max certainly cannot complain about the career he has had so far in Formula 1; he still has many milestones ahead of him, whether it’s another world title or perhaps even three more.” Herbert’s criticism highlights a clear contrast with drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who appear to have embraced the challenges posed by the new energy-focused regulations with greater enthusiasm.

Damon Hill and the risk of a “vote of no confidence” in Formula 1

Damon Hill also weighed in on Max Verstappen’s lack of diplomacy. The 1996 world champion acknowledged Max’s brutally honest nature but warned that the timing of his complaints could ultimately damage his credibility. “We all know that diplomacy is not part of his personal skill set, and in some ways that’s a good thing because you will always get a direct and honest opinion from him about what he really thinks,” Hill explained.

“The real issue for him now is that every complaint sounds like an excuse: since he no longer has the dominant car to win, it appears that he is criticizing the format rather than the technical formula itself.”

However, Damon Hill also urged Formula 1’s leadership to take Verstappen’s concerns seriously, particularly amid suggestions that the Dutch driver could consider leaving the sport. “His concerns must be taken seriously, because Formula 1 cannot afford to lose a talent like Max to other forms of racing. That would represent a very strong vote of no confidence in the direction the sport is taking.”

According to the latest F1 news, the tug-of-war between the champion and the Federation is only just beginning. As the 2026 season progresses, the tension between driver feedback and regulatory evolution remains one of the most compelling storylines on the grid. Based on the content of these legendary critiques, it is clear that while Verstappen seeks a return to pure racing, his peers believe the current battle is as much about the stopwatch as it is about the soul of the sport.