McLaren driver Oscar Piastri stated that Max Verstappen leaving Formula 1 would not be a great look for the sport. Teammate Lando Norris agreed it would be a shame, though he expects Verstappen to stay for a fifth title. The comments come amid Verstappen's criticisms of the 2026 regulations.
Oscar Piastri expressed concern that Max Verstappen departing Formula 1 would damage the championship's image. Speaking on Verstappen's talent and recent hints at reconsidering his future, Piastri said, “It would be a shame for the sport to lose Max... For everyone it would be a pretty big shame and obviously not a great look.” He noted Red Bull's current sixth place in the constructors' standings and the complexity of the new rules requiring energy management, which limits flat-out racing in qualifying and leads to uneven competition that Verstappen has criticized as 'yo-yo' style racing. Piastri emphasized drivers' desire to compete against the best, calling Verstappen the benchmark over the past decade. Lando Norris echoed these sentiments, describing a potential exit as a major loss since Verstappen is among Formula 1's greatest drivers. “It would be a shame for the sport... he's always good fun to race against,” Norris said, while praising Verstappen's freedom to explore other series like GT3 after four world championships. Norris added that he enjoys watching Verstappen in GT racing and believes the Dutch driver will remain, motivated by a pursuit of a fifth title despite no interest in chasing records held by Lewis Hamilton or staying into his 40s like Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Verstappen recently mentioned having 'life' decisions to make, having found enjoyment in GT3 machinery at the NLS in Germany.
