“Max Verstappen Has No Chance” — Johnny Herbert Drops Brutal Verdict That Could Shake Up the Title Fight

In the world of Formula 1, bold opinions aren’t rare—but sometimes, they cut deeper than anyone expects. When former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Johnny Herbert dropped his bombshell verdict—”Max Verstappen has no chance“—the motorsport world erupted. It wasn’t just the shock of the words, but the timing, delivery, and the ripple effect that followed.

Was this just media sensationalism, or does Herbert know something the rest of the paddock doesn’t?

The moment that stunned the paddock

It happened on a quiet Thursday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. During a segment on Sky F1’s pre-race show, Johnny Herbert—never one to sugarcoat his thoughts—was asked about Max Verstappen’s chances of securing a fourth consecutive world title. His response was immediate and unwavering.

Let’s be honest. Max Verstappen has no chance this year—not with the way things are going behind the scenes.

The studio fell awkwardly silent. Cameras zoomed in. Fans watching live immediately took to social media. Was this a throwaway jab? An intentional provocation? Or a glimpse into deeper, darker turmoil at Red Bull Racing?

Within minutes, hashtags like #NoChanceMax, #HerbertShock, and #TitleTwist were trending worldwide. But unlike typical media soundbites, Herbert’s verdict carried weight—and layers of mystery. Because everyone in Formula 1 knows Johnny doesn’t speak without reason.

What Herbert really meant (and why insiders are nodding)

In a follow-up interview later that day, Herbert elaborated. It wasn’t about talent. It wasn’t about the RB21’s pace. It was about chaos. Max Verstappen is still Max—unbelievable behind the wheel. But no one wins world titles alone. What I’m seeing inside that team right now isn’t a championship structure. It’s a power struggle.

According to Herbert, Red Bull Racing is imploding behind the scenes. Disagreements between technical staff, personnel changes that have disrupted garage chemistry, and a clear divide between Christian Horner’s authority and the Verstappen camp’s expectations are reportedly creating toxic air.

Several paddock insiders, speaking anonymously, echoed Herbert’s claims. One Red Bull engineer was quoted as saying, It used to be about perfection. Now it feels like survival.

Another pointed out that three key engineers—two of whom were close to Max—have quietly left the team or been reassigned. Strategic missteps during key races, uncharacteristic tension on the pit wall, and restricted communication between Verstappen and senior management all point toward a brewing storm.

And let’s not forget: Max Verstappen isn’t just another driver. He’s a brand. A business. And increasingly, a man with leverage.

The rise of the rivals

If Red Bull is faltering, who stands to gain? Enter Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren—each showing flashes of brilliance this season. George Russell and Lando Norris have taken turns challenging at the front, while Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have capitalized on Red Bull’s missteps to rack up crucial points.

More concerning for Red Bull? McLaren’s latest upgrade package has delivered back-to-back podiums. In raw pace and tire management, they now match or surpass Red Bull on select circuits.

According to F1 data analysts, Red Bull’s average race-day advantage has shrunk from 0.5 seconds per lap in 2024 to just 0.13 seconds in early 2025. That’s not a margin Max can rely on—especially with inconsistent strategy calls from the pit wall.

And it’s not just technical. It’s psychological.

As Johnny Herbert noted, you can have the fastest car. But if your pit crew is unsure, if your strategy lead is doubting, and your team principal is distracted—you’re not winning a title.

Verstappen’s silence speaks volumes.

Interestingly, Max Verstappen has said very little since Herbert’s verdict. In post-race interviews, he’s remained cool, reserved—even distant.

One moment caught on camera at Spa raised eyebrows. When asked whether he still had full confidence in the Red Bull strategy team, Max gave a long pause before saying, Let’s just say we need to be better.

That, coming from Max, is practically an alarm bell.

Those close to him suggest he’s exploring options. Not necessarily to leave Red Bull—but to reshape his terms of engagement. Rumors suggest that Max Verstappen’s management has requested more strategic authority, including veto power over race-day tactics and influence in team appointments.

If true, it confirms Herbert’s implication: Max isn’t just fighting on the track. He’s fighting inside his own garage.

Could Johnny Herbert be right?

Skeptics argue that it’s too early to call the title race. Max Verstappen still leads the championship—albeit by a slimmer margin than expected—and Red Bull remains one of the most well-funded and engineered teams in the sport.

But numbers don’t lie. In the last five races, Max has finished off the podium three times. In each of those, either a pit stop error, tire strategy misjudgment, or internal confusion cost him places. These aren’t one-offs—they’re patterns.

And in Formula 1, patterns matter.

Just ask Sebastian Vettel, whose dominance ended not because of raw pace but because of shifting team dynamics.

So, when Johnny Herbert says, “Max Verstappen has no chance,” he may be referring to more than a season. He may be calling the early signs of a dynastic collapse.

The fan reaction: fury, fear, and fascination

F1 fans are nothing if not passionate—and divided.

Some slammed Herbert for his comment, calling it disrespectful, even inflammatory. Others praised him for daring to say what many have whispered. Fan polls show an interesting shift: while 68% still believe Max can win the title, over 45% now believe he’s lost control of the team’s direction.

TikTok and YouTube are flooded with videos analyzing Max Verstappen’s body language, radio tones, and press conference demeanor. One viral theory suggests Max is already planning a future outside of Red Bull—and Herbert’s comment was the warning shot.

Conspiracy or not, one thing is certain: the world is watching. And now, they’re watching differently.

A warning or a prophecy?

Time will tell whether Johnny Herbert’s brutal verdict is proven right. But what’s clear now is this: he’s shifted the narrative.

No longer is Max Verstappen the untouchable favorite. He’s the hunted. They scrutinized. The leader is on the edge of a collapse—or a comeback.

And in F1, perception can become reality very quickly.

So when you hear the phrase “Max Verstappen has no chance,” don’t take it at face value.

It may be wrong.

Or it may be the headline we’ll all remember when this title fight is over.

Because sometimes, the most unbelievable statements… turn out to be the most accurate of all.