Eddie Irvine believes Formula 1 would continue unchanged if Max Verstappen chose to leave the sport, following the Dutch driver’s recent comments about his future.
Verstappen raised doubts about his long-term commitment after the Japanese GP.
The Red Bull driver suggested he could walk away at the end of the season, citing frustration with the direction of the 2026 regulations.
A stronger focus on electrical energy has been a key point of concern.
The four-time world champion has criticised the new rules since pre-season testing.
After finishing seventh at Suzuka, Verstappen expanded on his thinking.
“That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.
“Privately I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
Eddie Irvine, who finished as the runner-up in the 1999 championship, offered a blunt response. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he suggested Verstappen’s absence would not leave a lasting gap.
“F1 doesn’t need Max, there are plenty of talented drivers,” Irvine stated. “It’s tough for him to find himself in the middle of the pack. But considering his salary, there are over €50 million (£43.5m) in good reasons to stay.”
Former drivers and commentators have also questioned Verstappen’s repeated criticism of the sport’s direction.
Martin Brundle expressed frustration with the ongoing narrative.
He argued that the focus should shift away from speculation and towards performance on track.
“Max is very unfiltered isn’t he? He always has been,” Brundle said. “And he’s talked a lot for a long time about ‘I’m not in this for a long haul, I’m not going to be around in my 40s.’
“I think it’s getting a bit boring now, what he’s saying. Either go, or stop talking about it. It is what it is, you’ve got to make the most of it.
“Nobody is indispensable in this business. I’ve seen a number of amazing people come through this sport and are no longer with us, or have moved on to do something else. The sport goes on. This goes for any of us. The minute we stop, people will be talking about who does the job next.
“There are any number of [Kimi] Antonellis, [Ollie] Bearmans, [Arvid] Lindblads out there who would do the job incredibly well for 1% of the money. The sport will just move on if Max decides to go.”
If Verstappen does follow through on his threats, the sport may lose one of its leading talents—but history suggests it will not lose momentum.
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