Oscar Piastri has warned that a Max Verstappen exit from Formula 1 would be terrible for the sport.
Four-time world champion Verstappen, told reporters last month that he was considering quitting the sport following the introduction of the new regulations.
The 28-year-old has been one of the most vocal drivers since the new engine rules came into effect at the start of the 2026 season, and it appears that his disillusionment with the sport may drive him away.
It is no secret that the Dutchman is keen to explore openings in other series, having competed recently at a four-hour endurance race in Germany.
He has described himself as ‘beyond frustrated’ saying the ‘fun’ has gone out of him, and it’s easy to see why, with many other drivers frustrated and Red Bull picking up a measly 16 points across the opening three weekends.
But Australia’s Piastri is keen to keep last year’s title rival around as it would be a ‘shame’ for the grid to lose him.
Oscar Piastri said it would be a ‘shame’ for Formula 1 to lose four-time world champion Max Verstappen
The Dutch driver has expressed his frustration and the new regulations on numerous occasions and appears to be ready to leave the sport
Lando Norris echoed his teammates sentiments despite last year’s title rival making his life ‘tough at times’
‘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,’ last year’s third-placed finisher 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.’
Those sentiments were echoed by his McLaren teammate Lando Norris ‘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.
‘Hopefully things get better. And I also saw he said he wants to win a fifth World Championship at the minute. So, you know, I’m sure he’ll stay longer than people say.’
While drivers fret and consider leaving the sport quite regularly, it seems as though Verstappen is as close to the exit door as he could possibly be.
Following a dismal eighth placed finish in Suzuka, the four-time champion seemed resigned to his misery, ‘I am not even frustrated anymore. I am beyond that. I don’t know the right word in English for it. I don’t know it in Dutch either. I don’t know what to make of it.
‘There is no word. I don’t get upset about it. I don’t get frustrated with what is going on anymore.
‘There are a lot of things for me personally to figure out.’
‘What?’ he was asked.
‘Life.’
Could he elaborate?
‘Life here.’
In light of the frustration of drivers and constructors alike, Formula 1 has taken advantage of the impromptu extended break in April to amend the regulations.
These changes are expected to come into effect by the next race weekend in Miami at the start of May but it remains to be seen whether they will be enough for the record holder for wins in a season to begin enjoying his racing again.
