Johnny Herbert calls Max Verstappen’s retirement threats a political acting job. Johnny Herbert says Max Verstappen is playing politics over 2026 F1 criticism.

Johnny Herbert weighs in on Max Verstappen’s criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 cars

Total and relentless pressure. Ever since pre-season testing, Max Verstappen has not missed an opportunity to launch strong criticism at the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars. In Bahrain, he described these machines as “Formula E cars on steroids”, and after the Japanese Grand Prix he said he would seriously consider leaving the Formula 1 paddock because, regardless of the result he might be fighting for, he no longer found driving them enjoyable.

In Miami, however, Red Bull looked significantly more competitive, to the point that Max Verstappen secured a front-row starting position in qualifying. In the race, the Dutchman made life more difficult for himself with a spin at the start, but in the end he still managed a respectable fifth-place finish, a result that will almost certainly have lifted the spirits of the four-time world champion.

Johnny Herbert’s view on Max Verstappen’s comments

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Max Verstappen’s comments were partly theatrical, although based on arguments and technical realities that Herbert fully agrees with.

“Max exaggerated a little,” the former Formula 1 driver told Jackpot City Casino. “He will never leave Formula 1 because these are still the best cars in the world of motorsport. It is probably still the biggest thrill a driver can experience behind the wheel.

“Verstappen is putting on an act to play a political game, and I completely understand that. Max Verstappen and all the other drivers want a car that truly challenges them. Right now, these 2026 Formula 1 cars do not do that, and that is why they are frustrated.

“In any case, efforts are being made to improve the situation through changes to the regulations, and that will lead everyone to adopt a more positive approach. It would be important for at least one top-level driver to have a seat at the table where decisions about the future of Formula 1 are made, because the impact of having a driver involved could only lead to positive consequences.”

Johnny Herbert’s assessment therefore highlights the growing friction between Formula 1’s elite drivers and the sport’s overarching technical direction. While Max Verstappen’s continuous threats of an early retirement may serve as a powerful political lever to force the FIA into refining the active aerodynamics and energy management weights of the current rules, his core frustration is shared by nearly every peer on the grid. Modern drivers crave volatile, high-stakes machinery that rewards pure bravery and mechanical feel, rather than highly restricted energy-harvesting stints that dictate their competitive pace. If the governing body hopes to steer the sport toward a more positive future, integrating top-tier driver feedback directly into upcoming regulatory overhauls will be crucial to shifting the paddock conversation back toward pure, unadulterated racing.