George Russell has said he would understand if Max Verstappen chose to leave Formula One, after the four-time champion cast doubt on his future in the sport. Verstappen has been outspoken in his dislike of current regulations and the role of energy management, hinting at retirement after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Russell, who drives for Mercedes, insisted Verstappen has nothing left to prove. 'Formula One is bigger than any driver. You wouldn't want to lose Max because we all enjoy racing against him,' Russell said. 'But he has achieved what most drivers dream of, which is winning a world championship and he has got four of them.'
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but is understood to have performance-based escape clauses. He is ninth in the world championship after three rounds, with a best finish of sixth. Russell noted that Red Bull's relative lack of competitiveness would take its toll. 'I didn't enjoy driving the 2022 car when it was porpoising up and down and killing everybody's backs,' he added. 'He didn't have the same complaints because he was winning.'
Meanwhile, Russell's Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli has won the last two races to take the championship lead. The 19-year-old Italian admitted his expectations have changed. 'It's been a better start than what we all anticipated,' Antonelli said. 'This year it's a massive opportunity for all of us and especially for me and George, because we have a very strong car.'
