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F1 Today | Verstappen needs to ‘shut up and drive more’, ‘F1 teams make decision on rule changes’

by sports••0
F1 Today | Verstappen needs to ‘shut up and drive more’, ‘F1 teams make decision on rule changes’
As teams and drivers build up to the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, Max Verstappen has been told to “shut up and drive more” after yet more criticism of the 2026 F1 cars. Along with that, rumours have surfaced about decisions on rule changes, and a driver lineup change for FP1 at Suzuka has been made.

After two races of the 2026 season, Max Verstappen has produced plenty of critical comments regarding the new machines for the 2026 season, saying the current regulations are “not fun” and “a joke”.

However, after 1996 World Champion Damon Hill asked former F1 driver Johnny Herbert whether the four-time World Champion needs to “shut up and drive”, the Brit stated, “In many respects, yes.
“He hasn’t had a bad career thus far. There are still many more things that he’s going to be able to achieve in Formula 1, as in another world championship or three. But diplomacy is not his thing.”

Max Verstappen was forced to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix with a reliability issue – Photo: Race Pictures

According to Auto, Motor und Sport, no changes will be introduced to racing after a virtual meeting with the team principals took place.

An entertaining Grand Prix in Shanghai saw plenty of on-track battles take place, and that convinced everyone involved with the meeting to make no short-term changes.

On the other hand, for qualifying, the goal is for drivers to be able to push flat out again, rather than lifting early to manage battery recharge. It is reported that drivers and teams will actively participate in the process before the FIA draws up a concrete rule proposal.

The Japanese Grand Prix will see the first young driver of 2026 get behind the wheel of the brand new machines after Aston Martin announced that Jak Crawford will take part in FP1.

The American will replace Fernando Alonso for the opening session of the weekend at Suzuka, taking to the iconic track for the first time in his career.

“It’s such a historic yet demanding circuit, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the simulator to real track conditions,” the 20-year-old explained.