‘You’re never going to walk away’ – Verstappen given clear verdict despite 2026 rules criticism

Johnny Herbert has dismissed Max Verstappen’s recent criticism of the 2026 regulations and hints at leaving Formula 1 as a calculated move to pressure the sport, not a real intention to walk away.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s frustration with the new cars – particularly the super-clipping issue that dominated early-season races – led the FIA to introduce adjustments before the Miami GP. With the sport’s biggest star openly discontent, Herbert’s verdict suggests the four-time champion is leveraging his influence to shape the future of F1 rather than genuinely considering an exit.

The details:

• Herbert, speaking to a betting site, said Verstappen is “playing a game” with teams, the FIA, and F1 itself by threatening departure. He believes the Dutchman wants cars that truly challenge drivers.
• The FIA stepped in ahead of Miami with a series of tweaks targeting safety and on-track racing, partly responding to Verstappen’s complaints about the 2026-spec cars.
• Herbert argued that F1 remains the pinnacle: “You're never going to walk away from this sport because they are still the very best race cars out there.”
• Meanwhile, David Coulthard reinforced the idea that Verstappen is staying at Red Bull for life, noting the team’s unique culture allows him to be himself – something Ferrari, Mercedes, or McLaren couldn’t offer.

What’s next:

With the Miami adjustments showing early promise, Verstappen’s mood could improve as the season progresses. However, his public stance serves as a reminder that driver input will be critical in shaping the 2027 regulation cycle. Herbert’s take echoes a paddock consensus: don’t expect the Dutchman to actually walk away.