Verstappen issued Hamilton warning ahead of 2026 F1 Regulations

The former F1 driver and steward, in his assessment, stressed there is a chance that the Dutchman’s magic might not be so prevalent in the new cars.

"There is always a chance that you don't quite fit a new car. Max Verstappen is only human. Yes, he's the best on the grid at this current time, but it doesn't always mean he's the fastest on the race track,” Herbert said to a gambling platform.

Referencing the dip that Lewis Hamilton experienced during the ground-effect era, Herbert stated there is a chance the new regulations could favour specific types of drivers.

“That's down to the performance of the car, or if you don't fit the car. Like with Lewis Hamilton last year, he didn't fit his car and lost his speed. There is a chance that new regulations could favour a certain type of driver. Lando Norris could benefit from the new car and grow even more as a driver, similar to Max after 2021,” he added.

However, the former F1 steward also noted that regulations could help drivers mature and become more well-rounded if the car suits their style. Herbert also stated there remains a chance of the regulations still favouring Verstappen, considering the massive driver input that will characterise the 2026 cars.

“There's always a chance of a driver maturing and becoming more complete if a new car suits their style. Can I see the new regulations not benefiting Max? Yes, because there is a human element to Formula One, there are inconsistencies, and the best drivers try to reduce those inconsistencies,” he explained.

“The likes of Max, Lewis, and Lando will have to adapt this year, and external influences can affect the championship,” he concluded.

Earlier, Verstappen weighed in on the regulation changes Formula 1 has undergone. The Dutch driver predicted a wider gap within the field at the start of the regulations.

The 28-year-old, however, expressed optimism about such a gap closing relatively quickly compared to previous regulation changes.

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