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F1
Russell âWould Understandâ if Verstappen Left F1
TL;DR
George Russell stated he would understand if Max Verstappen decided to leave Formula 1 due to his frustrations with the 2026 regulations. Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction and is considering his future in the sport.
Key points
- George Russell supports Verstappen's potential departure from F1
- Verstappen is critical of the new 2026 regulations
- He is considering his future in Formula 1
- Verstappen is also participating in GT3 races
- He will debut at the NĂŒrburgring 24 Hours in May
Max VerstappenGeorge RussellNĂŒrburgring 24 HoursGT3 races
Russell âWould Understandâ if Verstappen Left F1Clive Mason - Getty Images
George Russell has hinted that Max Verstappenâs complaints of 2026-spec Formula 1 are linked to Red Bullâs woes, but that he would also understand if his rival quit the sport.
Verstappen has long been critical of the new F1 regulations, and after the most recent race in Japan last month indicated publicly for the first time that he is evaluating his future post-2026.
Verstappen has added to his non-F1 commitments this year by participating in GT3 races at the NĂŒrburgring Nordschleife, including this coming weekend, ahead of his NĂŒrburgring 24 Hours debut in May.
Russell and Verstappen have had an at-times fractious relationship, and while the Briton believes Red Bullâs issues in 2026 have accentuated the four-time championâs feelings, he can understand the perspective.
âYou wouldnât want to lose Max because I think we all enjoy racing against Max,â Russell said on Friday.
George Russell leading Max Verstappen during the Japanese Grand Prix last month.NurPhoto - Getty Images
âI didnât enjoy driving the â22 car when it was porpoising up and down, killing everyoneâs backs, the car was big and heavy, [in] the high-speed corners it wasnât very pleasant to drive around, but he didnât have the same complaints because he was winning.
âNow the complaints he has currently are different to the complaints of Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, because weâre at the front end of the grid and this is only natural and you do understand and recognize the frustration.
âHeâs achieved what most drivers dream of, which is winning the championship, heâs got four of them, and at the end of the day I guess heâs got to the point⊠thereâs not really much more for him to achieve in F1, heâs ticked all the boxes, maybe he can go after the records.
âBut knowing him as I do and knowing drivers who have won or achieved similar things at one point you want to do what puts a smile on your face, and I can totally understand why driving the Nordschleife puts a smile on his face, Iâve driven hundreds of laps there on a simulator, and I would love to have that chance to go and race around the Nordschleife.
Q&A
Why is Max Verstappen considering leaving Formula 1?
Max Verstappen is evaluating his future in Formula 1 due to his ongoing criticisms of the new 2026 regulations.
What did George Russell say about Verstappen's potential departure from F1?
George Russell expressed that he would understand if Verstappen chose to leave the sport, given his frustrations.
What non-F1 commitments has Verstappen taken on recently?
Max Verstappen has participated in GT3 races at the NĂŒrburgring Nordschleife and is preparing for his NĂŒrburgring 24 Hours debut in May.
How have Verstappen's complaints affected Red Bull's performance?
Russell hinted that Verstappen's complaints about the 2026-spec regulations are linked to the challenges faced by Red Bull.
