In the episode of
Stay On Track titled
"Is Verstappen right about F1 2026? Hill and Herbert's verdict," 1996 World Champion Damon Hill and three-time race winner Johnny Herbert analyze Max Verstappen’s vocal criticisms of the 2026 technical regulations.
The discussion centers on whether the new rules compromise the "DNA of Formula 1" in favor of sustainability and complex technology.
Focus: Views on the 2026 Regulations
1. Validating Verstappen’s ConcernsBoth Hill and Herbert acknowledge that Verstappen’s "Formula E on steroids" comment has merit. They discuss his frustration with the
50/50 power split (between the internal combustion engine and electric battery), noting that the requirement for drivers to "downshift on straights" or "lift and coast" to recharge batteries feels antithetical to the spirit of grand prix racing.
2. The "Identity Crisis" of F1
- Damon Hill: Expresses concern over whether F1 is losing its "purity." He questions if the regulations have become so dictated by engine manufacturers that the "sporting" element—where a driver pushes a car to its absolute limit every second—is being replaced by "energy management" games.
- Johnny Herbert: Focuses on the physical and technical challenge. He suggests that while the cars might be slower or more "clunky" initially, the best drivers (like Verstappen) will eventually adapt, but he worries that the "spectacle" for fans might suffer if the cars look "labored" on track.
3. The Move Toward Active Aerodynamics
They dissect the new active aero (movable front and rear wings), which is designed to compensate for the drag created by the power units. Hill is particularly wary, suggesting that "artificial" fixes like this can sometimes lead to unpredictable car behavior, which justifies some of the trepidation felt by the drivers during simulator sessions.
4. Impact on the Competitive Order
Herbert notes that 2026 represents a "reset button" that could end Red Bull's current dominance. He suggests that even the best driver in the world (Verstappen) is at the mercy of the "engine lottery," and if the new Red Bull-Ford power unit isn't at the level of Mercedes or Ferrari, Verstappen's talent might not be enough to overcome the technical deficit.
General Summary of the Episode
- Testing Assessment: They look back at pre-season testing, noting that while the cars look "different" and sound more "whiny" due to the increased electrical output, the reliability has been surprisingly high.
- Driver Adaptation: They speculate on which drivers will thrive. They agree that younger drivers who grew up with complex hybrid systems might find the transition easier than those who prefer a more "raw" mechanical feel.
- Melbourne Predictions: Despite the rule changes, they pick their favorites for the season-opener in Australia, weighing the "smoothness" of the Mercedes against the "raw power" of the Ferrari.
Verdict: Hill and Herbert generally side with Verstappen's
technical concerns, agreeing that the sport is taking a massive risk. However, they remain hopeful that the "racing" will still be high-quality once the teams fully optimize the new systems.
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