Herbert questions Verstappen's 2026 supremacy amid regulation changes
Johnny Herbert suggests Max Verstappen could struggle with the 2026 regulations, citing Lewis Hamilton's past adaptation issues. Verstappen, meanwhile, predicts a wider performance gap between teams when the new rules take effect.
Johnny Herbert casts doubt on Max Verstappen's continued dominance heading into the 2026 regulatory overhaul. The former driver warns that even the current grid leader is "only human" and may not gel with the next generation of cars, potentially opening the door for rivals like Lando Norris to capitalize on the shift.
Why it matters:
The 2026 regulations represent a massive reset for Formula 1, introducing new power units and aerodynamic concepts. If the grid's benchmark driver struggles to adapt, it could shake up the competitive order and end Red Bull's recent hegemony, much like the ground-effect era reshuffled the pack in 2022.
The details:
- Driver-Car Fit: Herbert emphasized that specific driving styles might not suit the new machinery, referencing Lewis Hamilton's recent struggles with Mercedes' ground-effect car as a cautionary tale.
- Potential Beneficiaries: He suggested Lando Norris could see a growth trajectory similar to Verstappen's post-2021 surge if the McLaren chassis aligns with his style under the new rules.
- Human Element: Despite Verstappen's current superiority, Herbert noted the "human element" and inconsistencies that inevitably arise during major regulation transitions.
What's next:
Verstappen has weighed in on the changes himself, predicting a significant spread in performance between teams at the start of 2026. However, he remains optimistic that the field will converge faster than in previous regulatory eras, minimizing the duration of the initial disparity.