Lando Norris has explained why Max Verstappen quitting Formula 1 would have its positive and negative connotations, revealing he would be a “big loss” to the sport.
The Dutchman has begun 2026 with a myriad of difficult circumstances heading his way, namely a tricky Red Bull car amid F1’s new regulations era.
Verstappen, along with Norris, has been the biggest opponents to the new ruleset, initially likening them to “Formula E on steroids”.
Since the season has got underway, Verstappen has made several hints that he could soon quit the sport, citing a lack of enjoyment.
And the forthcoming departure of friend and race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, signing for McLaren after the expiration of his contract with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Many of his rivals and former drivers have commented on the situation, with many wondering whether these threats are empty.
But Norris, speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, at McLaren’s MTC base in Woking, acknowledged his previous comments about quitting the sport before the new regs.
“Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants. He’s won four World Championships,” he said.
“And he’s always been that guy. It’s not just now [that he’s speaking up].
“He’s always been very open to say what he thinks.
”Whether you agree or not or whether you should say it or shouldn’t, he’s himself and I think that’s a very good way to live your life.”
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Norris continued: “It will be a shame for the sport. It will be a miss for the sport if that does happen because he probably is one of the best drivers you’ll see in Formula 1 ever.
“I think it’ll be a shame for us, because I think as much as he makes our lives incredibly tough at times, he’s always good fun to race against and it’s always cool to race against someone that’s won four championships.
“You always feel like you want to race against the best in the world and he certainly is one of them, so it would be a loss for the sport.
“But to be honest, I also enjoyed watching all the GTs at the weekend and if it gives me something to go watch and watch him in other categories, that’s also a good thing for me!”
For the rivals of Verstappen, it may feel a little hollow to race and potentially win without him sharing the track with them, but it would open up F1 for a new era of possible domination by another talent.
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