In the high-speed, high-stakes world of Formula 1, drivers are often elevated to the status of demigods. They are worshipped by millions, their faces plastered on billboards, and their every move scrutinized and celebrated. However, a provocative new video by the YouTube channel “Formula Duck” is challenging this culture of “blind following.” The content creator has released a scathing, no-holds-barred critique titled “The Worst Thing About Every F1 Driver,” aimed at dismantling the polished PR facades of the 2026 grid. The video argues that while these athletes are talented, they are far from perfect—and some of their flaws are downright shocking.
This isn’t just a critique of driving styles; it’s a deep dive into personality defects, controversial pasts, and toxic behaviors that many fans choose to ignore. From the veterans to the rookies, no one escapes the heat. Here is a comprehensive look at the brutal accusations leveling the F1 playing field.
The Veterans: Egos, Hypocrisy, and Disappointment
The critique begins by tearing down the pedestals of the sport’s biggest legends. Fernando Alonso, often hailed as a hero for his longevity and skill, faces severe backlash for his “God Complex.” The video argues that Alonso victimizes himself, constantly blaming “British bias” or bad luck for his career trajectory instead of taking accountability. More damning is the accusation that he enables one of the most toxic fanbases in the sport—fans who allegedly harass others while Alonso watches, effectively weaponizing his following.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion known for his activism and growth, does not escape scrutiny. While the creator acknowledges Hamilton’s positive evolution from a “gotcha” posting youngster to a mature advocate, the critique highlights a new, unexpected flaw: his alleged support for Artificial Intelligence. Citing tweets where Hamilton interacts with AI platforms like Perplexity, the video expresses deep disappointment, framing this tech-bro turn as a baffling blemish on an otherwise solid moral resume.
Then there is Sergio “Checo” Perez. The video pulls no punches, labeling his ego as his downfall. The claim is that Checo believes he is a world-beater when the reality—according to the critic—is that he crippled Red Bull Racing by underperforming. The disconnect between his self-confidence and his on-track delivery is painted as his most infuriating trait.
The “Bad Boys” and The Billionaires
The mid-field is where the critique turns personal. The endless feud between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon is dismissed as childish immaturity. Gasly is labeled a “dumb goofball” who refuses to be the bigger person, while Ocon is criticized for holding onto ancient grudges and exaggerating his victimhood, famously during the “Alpine tobacco” fiasco. The video paints them as grown men acting like squabbling children, a dynamic that has grown “annoying” rather than entertaining.
Lance Stroll faces perhaps the most vitriolic takedown. Dismissed as a “pay driver” whose seat is secured only by his father’s billions, Stroll is criticized for his anger management issues—specifically citing his outburst in Qatar 2023. Furthermore, his extravagant lifestyle, including vacations near conflict zones while seemingly oblivious to the suffering nearby, is highlighted as a sign of gross detachment from reality. “Get this guy off the grid” is the blunt verdict.
The “Nice Guys” Aren’t So Nice
One of the most surprising segments targets the drivers typically seen as the “good guys.” Valtteri Bottas, beloved for his laid-back Aussie-Finn persona, is roasted for his lack of defensive capability. The video describes him as the “easiest driver to overtake,” claiming he practically moves out of the way for rivals, frustrating fans who want to see a fight.
Alex Albon, the Williams team leader, is accused of having a hidden rude streak. Despite his polite public image, the creator points to his radio messages and interactions where he allegedly snaps at the team or acts dismissively. The video also uncomfortably mentions his connection to his mother’s past fraud cases, suggesting that the “nice guy” image might be a carefully curated veneer.
Even Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari golden boy, is branded as “tone-deaf.” The video references past comments regarding social movements, specifically accusing Leclerc of misunderstanding the Black Lives Matter movement and dismissing it with politically charged rhetoric about Marxism. The verdict? He is simply “too rich to give a f***,” disconnected from the struggles of the average person.
The Toxic Fanbases and Cultural Insensitivity
A significant portion of the critique focuses on how drivers interact with—or fuel—toxic fan culture. Franco Colapinto, the rising Argentine star, is praised for his charm but weighed down by the “worst” aspect of his career: his fans. The video describes a segment of his following as fiercely toxic, engaging in racism, homophobia, and harassment online. While Colapinto himself is seen as a “stand-up guy,” his presence in the sport is said to attract a dangerous element of nationalism that breeds hate.
Similarly, Carlos Sainz is accused of having “questionable” views, with the creator alleging he has made racist remarks towards Chinese people in the past and fails to understand cultural norms. He is dubbed “Alonso Jr.” for his tendency to victimize himself, adding another layer of controversy to the Ferrari (and future Williams) driver.
The Nemesis Battle: Max vs. George
The video culminates in a comparison between Max Verstappen and George Russell, framing them as the ultimate “Nemesis” duo—like Batman and the Joker.
Max Verstappen is criticized for a complete refusal to take accountability. The video argues that while he may be the potential “Greatest of All Time,” his aggressive driving—shoving people off the road—and his dismissal of any criticism as “hard racing” is unacceptable. He is also accused of playing the victim card regarding “British bias” whenever stewards penalize him.
On the flip side, George Russell is labeled a “snitch.” The video mocks his “performative accountability,” where he admits fault in a way that feels rehearsed and insincere. Russell is portrayed as the teacher’s pet who loves to tattle on other drivers’ infractions while vehemently denying the existence of the very British bias that Verstappen complains about. The clash between Max’s raw aggression and George’s polished hypocrisy is presented as the defining conflict of the grid.
The Rookies and The Rest
The critique rounds out with the newer faces. Gabriel Bortoleto is cited for lacking track awareness, while Ollie Bearman is predicted to be a driver who “gets butt-hurt easily” and deflects blame. Liam Lawson is criticized for his “not here to make friends” mentality, which the creator argues often backfires, alongside controversial political associations via his partner. Lando Norris is simply dismissed as having an ego “larger than the Empire State Building,” and Oscar Piastri is labeled “boring” and unaccountable.
The Takeaway: Stop The Worship
While the video is undeniably harsh and subjective, its core message resonates: these drivers are human, flawed, and often shielded by wealth and PR machines. The creator, “Formula Duck,” urges fans to enjoy the racing but to stop the “blind following” that places these men above criticism.
In an era where “stan culture” dominates social media, this controversial breakdown serves as a reminder that your favorite athlete might have a dark side you’ve been ignoring. Whether you agree with the specific accusations or not, the conversation has been started, and it’s likely to make the next Grand Prix weekend a lot more interesting—and perhaps a little more critical.
The full video is a must-watch for any F1 fan brave enough to see their heroes knocked down a peg. Just be prepared: you might not like what you hear.