Ex-F1 driver argues Verstappen needs to 'shut up and drive more' amid heavy criticism

During the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen was consistently critical of the current generation of Formula 1 cars. The Dutchman once again compared racing to Mario Kart and warned about the effects this could have on F1's future as a whole.

He told GPblog, among others, in China: "It's not fun at all, no. It's playing Mario Kart. This is not racing. (..) Look at the racing, you are boosting past and then you run out of battery the next straight, they boost past you again. For me it's just a joke."

Speaking on the Stay On Track podcast, Herbert was asked by Damon Hill whether Verstappen needs to 'shut up and drive'.

Herbert explained: "In many respects, yes. Because 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."

According to the Briton, it has to do with diplomacy. He continued: "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 Formula 1, as in another world championship or three. But diplomacy is not his thing."

The 1996 world champion continued: "He will say what he really thinks. 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, then it’s about that.

"That would be a vote of no confidence in Formula 1 and where it’s going," Hill concluded.

The Formula 1 season continues this weekend at the Suzuka Circuit, where Verstappen won the past four Grands Prix in a row.