In a paddock looking toward 2026 with more questions than answers, Johnny Herbert sparks debate: the new era of regulations could reshape the Formula 1 hierarchy and test even a dominant driver like Max Verstappen.
Uncertainties in the new regulatory era
Johnny Herbert, former F1 driver and steward, expressed doubts about whether Max Verstappen can continue to be the category’s absolute benchmark with the arrival of the new technical rules. According to the British ex-driver, it is not guaranteed that the three-time world champion will be able to replicate his dominance with fundamentally different cars.
Herbert highlighted how every driver, even the most dominant, may struggle to adapt to a new aerodynamic concept:
“There’s always the possibility that a driver won’t adapt perfectly to a new car. Max Verstappen is only human. Yes, at the moment he is the best on the grid, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is the fastest on track,” he said to a betting platform.
Referencing Lewis Hamilton’s drop in competitiveness during the ground-effect era, Herbert noted how regulatory changes can favor some drivers more than others:
“It depends on the car’s performance or whether a driver adapts to it. Like Lewis Hamilton last time, who didn’t adapt and lost pace. There’s a chance the new rules could benefit a certain type of driver. Lando Norris could gain from the new car and grow further as a driver, just like Max did after 2021,” he added.
A regulation that can help drivers grow
Despite the uncertainties, Herbert doesn’t rule out that the new rules could actually enhance Max Verstappen, especially given the greater role drivers will have in managing the 2026 cars.
“There’s always a possibility that a driver matures and becomes more complete if a new car suits their style. Can I imagine the new rules not benefiting Max? Yes, because in Formula One there’s a human component, there are inconsistencies, and the best drivers try to overcome them,” he explained.
According to Johnny Herbert, 2026 will be a year of adaptation for everyone, even the most prominent names on the grid:
“Drivers like Max, Lewis, and Lando will have to adapt this year, and external influences could impact the championship,” he concluded.
Johnny Herbert’s words open up a fascinating scenario: the new regulations may not only reshuffle the technical order but also redefine driver hierarchies. Verstappen remains the natural favorite, but the Formula 1 of the future could reward those who adapt most quickly. In a world where talent meets uncertainty, every season can become a completely new story.
Johnny Herbert’s assessment highlights the “human variable” that often gets overshadowed by engine horsepower and aerodynamic coefficients. Just as the 2022 reset favored Max Verstappen’s clinical style while Lewis Hamilton struggled to find his previous rhythm, the 2026 shift—with its focus on active aero and manual energy management—could be the catalyst for another change in the guard. Whether this era solidifies Verstappen’s legendary status or provides the platform for Lando Norris to reach a new peak, the upcoming season is set to be a psychological battle as much as a technical one.
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