Verstappen leaving F1 would not be great look - Piastri

Max Verstappen leaving Formula 1 would be "not a great look" for the sport, says McLaren driver Oscar Piastri.

Four-time world champion Verstappen, 28, said last month he was "not enjoying the whole formula" following changes to the engine rules this season.

The Red Bull driver has a best finish of sixth in the three races and is considering his future.

After an extended break throughout April, Formula 1 has made a series of rule changes to address concerns about the new engine regulations, with most to be introduced at the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on 1-3 May.

Piastri, and team-mate and reigning champion Lando Norris, hopes the changes will keep the best drivers in the world - including Verstappen - on the grid.

"I think it would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, especially at this point in his career as well. I think it would be a big loss for the sport as a whole," the Australian said.

"I think for us as drivers, we want to race against the best and try and prove ourselves against the best.

"Max has shown his calibre in the last 10 years, and I think especially in the last five or six, he's been the benchmark.

"So, I think for everyone it would be a pretty big shame and obviously not a great look."

Verstappen won four consecutive drivers' titles from 2021-24 and missed out on last year's title by just two points to Norris.

He holds the record for the most wins in a single season but has discussed moving on to race in sports cars - and competed at the Nurburgring last weekend.

'One of the best ever'

Image caption,

Verstappen took part in qualifying at the Nurburgring last weekend

Norris said: "Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants. He's won four World Championships, and he's always been that guy.

"He probably is one of the best drivers you'll see in Formula 1 ever.

"It would 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 World Championships. It would be a loss for the sport.