Lando Norris Admits “It Would be a Shame for F1” to Lose Max Verstappen

Defending F1 champion Lando Norris has shared his thoughts on Max Verstappen’s retirement threats over 2026 regulations.

Lando Norris Admits “It Would be a Shame for F1” to Lose Max Verstappen

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

The 2026 regulations have spilt the whole Formula One grid, as everyone other than the Mercedes drivers are critical about the cars. Red Bull four times champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled to produce any solid runs this year, has been the most vocal about the car being anti-racing. He even threatened to quit the sport, if it’s not fixed.

The reigning champion Lando Norris was asked about it by Sky Sport recently. He pointed out that the Dutchman has earned the right to make decisions about his future, as he is already one of the GOATs of the sport. The Englishman isn’t surprised to see the RB driver speaking out, as he never had a filter when it comes to voicing opinions.

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, it’s not just now. 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.

Lando Norris said about the Red Bull driver.

Further talking about the point, the veteran admitted that if Max Verstappen decides to go ahead with his threat and retire from F1, it would be a shame for the sport to miss out on the best driver in his generation in his prime. It might not happen, considering FIA has made some changes to the rules for the Miami weekend.  

It would 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.

Lando Norris added via Sky Sports.

There is also personal reason behind the McLaren driver wanting to see the champion driver continue to race in the sport. Lando Norris wants to win races and titles fighting the best on the track. So, potentially losing the racer because of the rule change will be critical for the sport.

And I think 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 championships. You always feel like you want to race against the best in the world and he certainly is one of them so yeah it would be a loss for the sport.

Lando Norris asserted.

Oscar Paistri feels the same about the potential of loosing Max Verstappen

The second McLaren driver Oscar Piastri was also asked about the potential retirement. He shared similar feeling admitting that it would be a shame to lose Verstappen as there hasn’t been a driver other than Lewis Hamilton that raced on an elite level as the Dutchman over the last decade.

Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri (via Red Bull)

It be would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, you know especially at this point in his career as well. I think it would be a big loss for the sport as a whole. For us as drivers, we want to race against the best and try and prove ourselves against the best and I think Max has shown his calibre in the last 10 years.

Oscar Piastri said.

The comments from the McLaren driver shows how much the whole racing community is going to miss the Red Bull racer if he retires. It would be interesting to see the regulations changes for the Miami weekend will make the champion fall in love with the car again.

Also Read: “A Shame!” Charles Leclerc Blasts 2026 F1 Regulations Over Lack of Reward for Bravery