Herbert: Verstappen would 'regret' leaving F1, says sport needs him

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has strongly advised Max Verstappen against leaving the sport, arguing the reigning world champion would regret walking away from the pinnacle of motorsport. Herbert's comments come amid Verstappen's ongoing public criticism of the current generation of cars and his cryptic remarks about contemplating his future in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Verstappen is the sport's dominant star and biggest draw. His potential early departure, while still at the peak of his powers, would create a massive void for fans and the championship's global appeal. It raises questions about driver satisfaction with F1's technical direction and whether the spectacle can retain its top talent.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Discontent: The Dutch driver has been vocally critical of the current cars, comparing the racing experience to "playing Mario Kart" due to the energy recovery system (ERS) deployment strategies, which he feels creates artificial overtaking.
• Cryptic Future Remarks: When asked in Japan, Verstappen stated he had "a lot of stuff to personally figure out," refusing to commit his long-term future and indicating a level of detachment from the sport's internal politics.
• Herbert's Plea: The former driver argues it wouldn't make sense for Verstappen to leave when he still has so much to offer, emphasizing that fans worldwide are "thoroughly excited to see him on the racetrack."
• The 'Wow' Factor: Herbert highlighted that Verstappen still possesses a unique appeal and performance level that the sport would miss, stating bluntly that the driver would "regret leaving F1."

What's Next:

While Verstappen is under a long-term contract with Red Bull until 2028, his comments keep speculation about an early exit alive.

• The situation places indirect pressure on the FIA and Formula 1 to ensure the 2026 technical regulations address drivers' concerns about raceability and genuine competition.
• For now, Herbert's view represents a common sentiment in the paddock: F1 needs its champion as much as he needs the sport, making a near-term divorce unlikely but not unthinkable.