LONDON : George Russell said he would understand if four-times world champion Max Verstappen chose to walk away from Formula One, adding he would not be surprised regardless of the Dutchman’s decision.
Speaking via a video call on Friday, during what would have been a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend before cancellations due to regional tensions, the Mercedes driver said Verstappen’s frustration with the sport’s new regulations was “only natural”.
Verstappen, who races for Red Bull Racing, has been openly critical of recent rule changes and engine regulations, describing aspects of the sport as “anti-racing”. He has also indicated he plans to spend time pursuing activities he enjoys before the next race in Miami.
“Formula One is bigger than any driver,” Russell said. “You wouldn’t want to lose Max because we all enjoy racing against him. But you understand the frustration.”
Russell added that Verstappen, having already secured four world titles, may feel he has little left to prove in the sport.
“He’s achieved what most drivers dream of. At some point, you want to do what makes you happy,” he said.
Verstappen is set to compete in a GT3 car at the Nürburgring this weekend as he works toward participating in a 24-hour endurance race at the iconic German circuit.
Russell, who is targeting his first world championship, said he remains focused on his own ambitions and confirmed he expects to stay with Mercedes next season under his current multi-year deal.
“I’d understand if he stayed, and I’d understand if he left,” Russell said.
