Johnny Herbert Sends Stark Warning to Lando Norris as Verstappen Eyes 2026 Comeback
Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has been warned not to get too comfortable at the top, with former F1 driver Johnny Herbert insisting that Max Verstappen will return stronger in 2026 and launch another title assault.
Norris secured his maiden drivers’ championship in dramatic fashion, edging Verstappen by just two points after one of the closest and most intense title battles in recent Formula 1 history. The McLaren driver’s breakthrough success marked a major shift in the sport’s competitive landscape, ending Verstappen’s reign after four consecutive world titles.
However, Herbert believes the narrow margin of Norris’ triumph should serve as a reminder that Verstappen remains a formidable threat — one who is already plotting his revenge.
After falling a staggering 104 points behind Norris following the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen mounted a sensational late-season comeback. The Red Bull driver won seven of the final nine races, applying relentless pressure as he attempted to overturn what initially looked like an insurmountable deficit. Despite his heroic charge, the gap proved just too large to close, leaving Verstappen agonisingly short of a record-equalling fifth straight championship.
Even so, Herbert insists Verstappen’s performance in the closing stages of the season sends a clear message to the rest of the grid — particularly Norris.
“Max will obviously be disappointed that he didn’t manage to win the championship,” Herbert told NewBettingSites.uk. “But at the same time, he’ll be pleased for Lando because of the genuine friendship they share.”
Verstappen and Norris have long enjoyed a close relationship off the track, frequently seen socialising together away from race weekends. That camaraderie was evident once again at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen was quick to congratulate Norris on his historic achievement.
Yet Herbert is adamant that friendship will not dull Verstappen’s competitive edge.
“Max won’t be resting on that disappointment for long,” Herbert continued. “He’ll already be thinking about how to take that number one spot back. In his mind, it’s simply a case of unfinished business.”
According to Herbert, Norris now faces a very different challenge heading into the 2026 season. As the reigning champion, the pressure will shift firmly onto the McLaren driver, who must prove that his title-winning campaign was not a one-off.
“There’s no time for Lando to relax or enjoy the moment for too long,” Herbert said. “Max will be thinking, ‘Enjoy it while you can, because I’m coming again.’”
The former steward believes Verstappen’s mindset sets him apart from many of his rivals. Despite missing out on the championship, the Dutchman’s late-season dominance demonstrated that his hunger for success remains undiminished.
“Winning seven of the last nine races shows exactly who Max is,” Herbert explained. “That sort of response, when everything seems lost, is what makes champions special. He never stopped believing.”
For Norris, the warning is clear. While his maiden title has cemented his status among Formula 1’s elite, Herbert suggests the next step — defending the crown — could be even more demanding.
“Being the hunter is one thing, but being the hunted is completely different,” Herbert added. “Everyone will raise their game against Lando now, and Max will be right at the front of that charge.”
As Formula 1 heads toward the major regulation changes of 2026, the rivalry between Norris and Verstappen appears set to become one of the defining storylines of the new era. With McLaren and Red Bull both expected to remain competitive, another epic title battle could be looming.
For now, Norris can savour the achievement of becoming world champion. But if Herbert’s warning is anything to go by, Verstappen’s response may already be in motion — and the fight for supremacy is far from over.
