Russell 'would understand' if Verstappen leaves F1
George Russell says Formula 1 "would not want to lose" Max Verstappen - but he would "understand" if the four-time world champion decided to leave the sport this year. Verstappen said at the Japanese Grand Prix that he was considering his future in F1 because of his dissatisfaction with how the cars behave under new rules introduced this year. Russell, who has had a difficult relationship with Verstappen in the past, said: "Formula 1 is bigger than any driver, so you wouldn't want to lose Max, because I think we all enjoy racing against Max.
" But the British driver added: "You'd understand if he stayed and you'd understand if he went. " Verstappen's concerns centre on the new power-units introduced this year, and the degree of energy management required. The engines have a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power.
This, as well as a series of complex regulatory constraints, has introduced a new form of driving and racing. Verstappen does not enjoy either of the two main changes - qualifying laps are no longer on the limit at all times, in the traditional sense, because of the need to recharge the battery; and racing is being affected by the large variations in battery charge level and the new "overtaking" and "boost" modes - all of which leads to huge speed differentials between cars. 'Just not F1' or 'a lot of fun'?
New cars split drivers What can F1's bosses do to help keep Verstappen in the sport? Russell said he believed Verstappen's complaints were influenced by the fact the Dutch driver's Red Bull team have not started the season with a competitive car. "I didn't enjoy driving the 2022 car when it was porpoising up and down, killing everybody's backs," said Russell, whose Mercedes team have won all three races this year.
"The car was big, it was heavy. The high-speed corners, it wasn't very pleasant to drive around. But he didn't have the same complaint, because he was winning.