Johnny Herbert tells Max Verstappen to "Shut up and drive" over 2026 F1 car complaints

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has urged Max Verstappen to focus on driving rather than continuing his outspoken criticism of the 2026-spec cars, as debate intensifies over the sport’s new technical direction.

At the heart of the controversy is a dramatic shift in driving demands. Competitors are now required to place heavy emphasis on harvesting and deploying electrical energy, leading to extreme energy-saving tactics not previously seen in Formula 1.

Herbert: ‘In many respects, yes’

“In many respects, yes,” Herbert replied.

He suggested Verstappen’s frustration may be influenced by competitiveness rather than purely philosophical objections to the rules.

“It’s always very nice when you're in the best car. It's always a bit of a struggle when you're not in the best car.”

Herbert also pointed to the broader arc of Verstappen’s career, emphasizing that the Dutchman’s achievements to date leave little room for grievance.

“He hasn't had a bad career thus far; there are still many more things that he's going to be able to achieve in F1, as in another world championship or three.”

A direct voice and a delicate situation

Verstappen’s bluntness is nothing new. The four-time world champion has frequently spoken out on issues ranging from calendar expansion to the addition of sprint events. He has insisted that his dissatisfaction with the 2026 rules is not linked to Red Bull’s competitive position this season.

However, he has also suggested he could consider leaving the sport in the near future if he continues to find the new cars unenjoyable — a stance Damon Hill believes Formula 1 must treat seriously.

“Diplomacy is not his thing,” Hill said. “I’m saying it's good, you'll always get a direct, honest opinion from him. He will say what he really thinks.”

Yet Hill acknowledged the perception problem Verstappen now faces.

“Only the trouble he's got now is that it does sound like, because he hasn't got the car that can win, if he moans, it’s about that, it’s not about the formula necessarily.”

From F1’s perspective, the stakes are significant. Hill warned that losing Verstappen would send an alarming signal about the championship’s direction.

“Because what F1 doesn't want is for Max to decide ‘I'm going somewhere else to get my thrills’. That would be a vote of no confidence in F1 and where it's going.”

A wider debate over F1’s future

The 2026 regulations have already reshaped the competitive and technical landscape, forcing drivers to adapt to unprecedented energy-management demands. For some, it represents a compelling new layer of complexity. For others, including Verstappen, it risks undermining the essence of wheel-to-wheel racing.

What is clear is that Verstappen’s criticism has ignited a broader conversation about the sport’s trajectory — and whether its biggest star believes in it. Meanwhile, Herbert’s message is straightforward: whatever the frustrations, the focus should remain on performance behind the wheel.