Discussion continues regarding Max Verstappen’s long-term future in F1, and former 1 driver Johnny Herbert has found the next superstar, Kimi Antonelli, who he thinks will take over the mantle once Max Verstappen departs.
Max Verstappen is a four-time world champion and is at the start of a year with many challenges due to Red Bull not being able to continue to qualify on the front row.
Additionally, if Max and Red Bull are not a force, this will only add another reason why he’s unhappy about the new engine regulations.
He often cites increased energy management software required in the future as a cause of disappointment.
Johnny Herbert Names Kimi Antonelli
Speaking at the launch of the Lola T70 at the Royal Automobile Club, Johnny Herbert acknowledged that Verstappen’s departure would have an impact, particularly among fans.
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He stated, “I would say yes to a degree, if you do it from his fans.” However, he also emphasized that Formula 1 has consistently found new stars to fill the void left by great drivers. “They always get replaced,” he added.
When asked who could emerge as the next benchmark driver, Johnny Herbert pointed to Mercedes’ rising star Kimi Antonelli, who has made an impressive start to the season with two wins from the opening three races.
Johnny Herbert said, “There’s always the next one, and who is the next one at present? Kimi Antonelli . He’s the next generation that’s going to be coming along. Will he be better than Max? Potentially,” he said.
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The former driver drew parallels with past generational shifts in Formula 1, where each era has produced drivers who have pushed performance standards even further.
He referenced how the sport progressed from Senna to Michael Schumacher, and later to Lewis Hamilton, before Max Verstappen established himself as the current benchmark.
“They always get better, and that never stops,” Herbert explained. He added, “Kimi Antonelli, potentially, is the next one who’s going to do the same thing. So there’s your replacement. There’s your ‘wow’ driver that comes into it.”
When asked further, he said, “Yes, Max Verstappen would be missed, absolutely, and I hope he keeps his feet and bottom in the cockpit. I don’t want him to leave because I love what he does.”
“He has got that ‘wow factor’ about him. There are occasions when even I go, ‘wow, I couldn’t do that’.”
“I can understand why he’s got that ‘I’m not getting the buzz’,” he added.
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So, Max Verstappen’s potential exit, particularly in light of the 2026 regulation changes, could mark a significant shift in Formula 1 history.
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