Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, has publicly stated that the departure of rival Max Verstappen from Formula 1 would be a significant "miss" for the sport. Norris's comments come in the wake of Verstappen's expressed dissatisfaction with the current generation of F1 cars and the 2026 regulations, which the Red Bull driver has criticized as "anti-racing."
Norris, while acknowledging Verstappen's right to express his views and his earned status in the sport, suggests he doesn't foresee the Dutch driver actually walking away from Formula 1 at the end of the year.
The McLaren driver, speaking after the Japanese Grand Prix, noted that Verstappen has always been vocal about his opinions. He also indicated a belief that Verstappen might remain in Formula 1 for longer than some anticipate.
Verstappen's criticisms, comparing the increased overtaking to "Mario Kart," have sparked discussions about the direction of the sport. Formula 1 recently announced regulatory changes, set to take effect at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix on May 3rd, which aim to address some of these concerns. Norris and his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, have voiced cautious optimism about these adjustments.
Read More: F1 2026 Rules Changed for Driver Safety and Energy Use
Norris himself has experienced the challenges of driving the new era of F1 cars. He stated, "Sometimes it's a bit better to drive, sometimes it's not as good to drive," but ultimately maintains that "it's still pretty good." He acknowledges the need to adapt driving styles and manage the cars differently.
Adding another layer to the narrative, reports suggest that McLaren has signed Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen's race engineer. This move, however, is presented alongside Norris's reflections on Verstappen's potential future.
In a more teasing tone, some reports indicate Norris has playfully suggested to Verstappen that "he can retire if he wants," a sentiment stemming from Verstappen's critiques. Nevertheless, Norris's primary message appears to be that while Verstappen's presence is valued, his departure is unlikely.
Read More: Teenagers Now Racing in F1, Youngest Drivers Debut
Verstappen's contract situation and potential future destinations, including long-speculated links with Mercedes, remain points of interest, though his immediate future in F1 appears to be the immediate focus of discussion. Norris is quoted as saying, "Max is never going to not try."
