{"id":1889692,"date":"2026-04-18T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1889692"},"modified":"2026-04-18T11:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:00:00","slug":"george-russell-backs-f1-to-survive-possible-max-verstappen-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1889692","title":{"rendered":"George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>George Russell weighs in on whether F1 could survive after a potential Max Verstappen exit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-18T12:00:00+01:00\">18 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell would understand if Verstappen quit F1<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>George Russell suggested Max Verstappen\u2019s Formula 1 quit threat is linked to Red Bull\u2019s struggles but admitted he would \u201cunderstand\u201d if the four-time world champion walked away.<\/p>\n<p>Question marks were already lingering around Verstappen\u2019s future before he sensationally claimed he could walk away from F1 at the end of the season after becoming disenchanted with the new 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<p>The 28-year-old Dutchman\u2019s comments came after a frustrating run to eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, having already made several disparaging remarks about the new power unit regulations.<\/p>\n<p>While Verstappen has insisted his frustrations are solely about his lack of enjoyment and not related to Red Bull\u2019s poor performance so far in 2026, Russell thinks the two are linked.<\/p>\n<p>Asked what he has made of Verstappen\u2019s complaints, Russell, whose Mercedes team are already the championship favourites, told media including Crash.net: &#8220;Formula 1 is bigger than any driver. You wouldn&#8217;t want to lose Max because we all enjoy racing against Max.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s just part and parcel of Formula 1. I didn&#8217;t enjoy driving the &#8217;22 car when it was porpoising up and down, killing everybody&#8217;s backs. The car was big, it was heavy, the high-speed corners, it wasn&#8217;t very pleasant to drive around, but he didn&#8217;t have the same complaint because he was winning.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Now, the complaints that he has currently are different to the complaints of Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren because we&#8217;re at the front end of the grid. This is only natural and you do understand and recognise the frustration.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-87ad37dca06912ab45e8c6fcf55f08528fe565fd2c4193288d76fc7ed5cc79e7\">  &#8220;Stronger, more in control&#8221;: F1&#8217;s surprise points leader reflects on storming 2026 start   Revealed: The &#8220;two headline points&#8221; F1 drivers want from rule changes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;But he&#8217;s achieved what most drivers dream of, which is winning a championship. He&#8217;s got four of them. At the end of the day, I guess you get to a point in life&#8230;there&#8217;s not really much more for him to achieve in Formula 1. He&#8217;s ticked all the boxes, maybe he can go after the records.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen has been pursuing outings in GT racing amid his current dissatisfaction with F1, and is preparing to make his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours next month.<\/p>\n<p>Russell said he can understand why Verstappen might want to seek fulfilment elsewhere after ticking \u201call the boxes\u201d in F1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9cfe672b6268aa6c3362cfdad0d935faba3a1ff61afc71fe38f2742220f4a7fb\">  Rare Abu Dhabi 2021 defence made for \u2018scapegoat\u2019 Michael Masi   Red Bull announces technical shake-up amid poor F1 2026 form <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;I guess you get to a point in life where there&#8217;s not much more for him to achieve in F1. He&#8217;s ticked all the boxes,\u201d the Briton added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe he can go after the records but knowing him as I do and knowing drivers who have won or achieved similar things, at one point you want to do what puts a smile on your face.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I can totally understand why driving the Nordschleife puts a smile on his face. I&#8217;ve driven hundreds of laps around the Nordschleife on the simulator and I would love to have that chance to go and race around the Nordschleife.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But my goal now is to become a Formula 1 world champion. If I have four of them under my belt, I&#8217;d probably be doing the same. He&#8217;s in a very different stage of his career.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you&#8217;d understand if he stayed and you&#8217;d understand if he went.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">George Russell<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Red Bull<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why any F1 engine rule changes will impact customer teams more in Miami<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403265_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Cadillac outlines 2026 FP1 plans for IndyCar star-turned-F1 hopeful<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/03e8e8f2-ec3a-30c7-c6cc-9e55f3eda1a6.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-cd5a9c3dc259e94c2c5a97aa29081cc665d2afc95270806ae415fec2ad76cae9\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-e344718538c740ed054b4fdc04aa3cb31c229b8005e80897b4845b517cfc0624\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen breaks silence on Gianpiero Lambiase\u2019s Red Bull exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776413779\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510260441.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase has engineered Verstappen throughout his Red Bull career\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div 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card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Russell reveals \u2018behind the scenes\u2019 work to fix Mercedes\u2019 big weakness<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776327067\"> 16\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403825_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell is second in the world championship \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Six candidates who could replace Verstappen at Red Bull if he quit F1<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776264273\"> 15\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603290596.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen is considering his future in F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>George Russell wants to see iconic F1 track return to the calendar<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776256560\"> 15\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1402915_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell, Mercedes, F1, 2026, Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>George Russell weighs in on whether F1 could survive after a potential Max Verstappen exit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>George Russell suggested Max Verstappen\u2019s Formula 1 quit threat is linked to Red Bull\u2019s struggles but admitted he would \u201cunderstand\u201d if the four-time world champion walked away.<\/p>\n<p>Question marks were already lingering around Verstappen\u2019s future before he sensationally claimed he could walk away from F1 at the end of the season after becoming disenchanted with the new 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<p>The 28-year-old Dutchman\u2019s comments came after a frustrating run to eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, having already made several disparaging remarks about the new power unit regulations.<\/p>\n<p>While Verstappen has insisted his frustrations are solely about his lack of enjoyment and not related to Red Bull\u2019s poor performance so far in 2026, Russell thinks the two are linked.<\/p>\n<p>Asked what he has made of Verstappen\u2019s complaints, Russell, whose Mercedes team are already the championship favourites, told media including Crash.net: &#8220;Formula 1 is bigger than any driver. You wouldn&#8217;t want to lose Max because we all enjoy racing against Max.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s just part and parcel of Formula 1. I didn&#8217;t enjoy driving the &#8217;22 car when it was porpoising up and down, killing everybody&#8217;s backs. The car was big, it was heavy, the high-speed corners, it wasn&#8217;t very pleasant to drive around, but he didn&#8217;t have the same complaint because he was winning.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Now, the complaints that he has currently are different to the complaints of Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren because we&#8217;re at the front end of the grid. This is only natural and you do understand and recognise the frustration.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-87ad37dca06912ab45e8c6fcf55f08528fe565fd2c4193288d76fc7ed5cc79e7\">  &#8220;Stronger, more in control&#8221;: F1&#8217;s surprise points leader reflects on storming 2026 start   Revealed: The &#8220;two headline points&#8221; F1 drivers want from rule changes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;But he&#8217;s achieved what most drivers dream of, which is winning a championship. He&#8217;s got four of them. At the end of the day, I guess you get to a point in life&#8230;there&#8217;s not really much more for him to achieve in Formula 1. He&#8217;s ticked all the boxes, maybe he can go after the records.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen has been pursuing outings in GT racing amid his current dissatisfaction with F1, and is preparing to make his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours next month.<\/p>\n<p>Russell said he can understand why Verstappen might want to seek fulfilment elsewhere after ticking \u201call the boxes\u201d in F1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9cfe672b6268aa6c3362cfdad0d935faba3a1ff61afc71fe38f2742220f4a7fb\">  Rare Abu Dhabi 2021 defence made for \u2018scapegoat\u2019 Michael Masi   Red Bull announces technical shake-up amid poor F1 2026 form <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;I guess you get to a point in life where there&#8217;s not much more for him to achieve in F1. He&#8217;s ticked all the boxes,\u201d the Briton added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe he can go after the records but knowing him as I do and knowing drivers who have won or achieved similar things, at one point you want to do what puts a smile on your face.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I can totally understand why driving the Nordschleife puts a smile on his face. I&#8217;ve driven hundreds of laps around the Nordschleife on the simulator and I would love to have that chance to go and race around the Nordschleife.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But my goal now is to become a Formula 1 world champion. If I have four of them under my belt, I&#8217;d probably be doing the same. He&#8217;s in a very different stage of his career.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you&#8217;d understand if he stayed and you&#8217;d understand if he went.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>George Russell suggested Max Verstappen\u2019s Formula 1 quit threat is linked to Red Bull\u2019s struggles but admitted he would \u201cunderstand\u201d if the four-time world champion walked away.<\/p>\n<p>Question marks were already lingering around Verstappen\u2019s future before he sensationally claimed he could walk away from F1 at the end of the season after becoming disenchanted with the new 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<p>The 28-year-old Dutchman\u2019s comments came after a frustrating run to eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, having already made several disparaging remarks about the new power unit regulations.<\/p>\n<p>While Verstappen has insisted his frustrations are solely about his lack of enjoyment and not related to Red Bull\u2019s poor performance so far in 2026, Russell thinks the two are linked.<\/p>\n<p>Asked what he has made of Verstappen\u2019s complaints, Russell, whose Mercedes team are already the championship favourites, told media including Crash.net: &#8220;Formula 1 is bigger than any driver. You wouldn&#8217;t want to lose Max because we all enjoy racing against Max.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s just part and parcel of Formula 1. I didn&#8217;t enjoy driving the &#8217;22 car when it was porpoising up and down, killing everybody&#8217;s backs. The car was big, it was heavy, the high-speed corners, it wasn&#8217;t very pleasant to drive around, but he didn&#8217;t have the same complaint because he was winning.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Now, the complaints that he has currently are different to the complaints of Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren because we&#8217;re at the front end of the grid. This is only natural and you do understand and recognise the frustration.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-87ad37dca06912ab45e8c6fcf55f08528fe565fd2c4193288d76fc7ed5cc79e7\">  &#8220;Stronger, more in control&#8221;: F1&#8217;s surprise points leader reflects on storming 2026 start   Revealed: The &#8220;two headline points&#8221; F1 drivers want from rule changes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;But he&#8217;s achieved what most drivers dream of, which is winning a championship. He&#8217;s got four of them. At the end of the day, I guess you get to a point in life&#8230;there&#8217;s not really much more for him to achieve in Formula 1. He&#8217;s ticked all the boxes, maybe he can go after the records.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Verstappen has been pursuing outings in GT racing amid his current dissatisfaction with F1, and is preparing to make his debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours next month.<\/p>\n<p>Russell said he can understand why Verstappen might want to seek fulfilment elsewhere after ticking \u201call the boxes\u201d in F1.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9cfe672b6268aa6c3362cfdad0d935faba3a1ff61afc71fe38f2742220f4a7fb\">  Rare Abu Dhabi 2021 defence made for \u2018scapegoat\u2019 Michael Masi   Red Bull announces technical shake-up amid poor F1 2026 form <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;I guess you get to a point in life where there&#8217;s not much more for him to achieve in F1. He&#8217;s ticked all the boxes,\u201d the Briton added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMaybe he can go after the records but knowing him as I do and knowing drivers who have won or achieved similar things, at one point you want to do what puts a smile on your face.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I can totally understand why driving the Nordschleife puts a smile on his face. I&#8217;ve driven hundreds of laps around the Nordschleife on the simulator and I would love to have that chance to go and race around the Nordschleife.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But my goal now is to become a Formula 1 world champion. If I have four of them under my belt, I&#8217;d probably be doing the same. He&#8217;s in a very different stage of his career.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think you&#8217;d understand if he stayed and you&#8217;d understand if he went.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093099\/1\/george-russell-backs-f1-survive-possible-max-verstappen-exit&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit George Russell weighs in on whether F1 could survive after a potential Max Verstappen exit. Lewis Larkam 18 Apr 2026 Share Russell would understand if Verstappen quit F1 Add as a preferred source George Russell suggested Max Verstappen\u2019s Formula 1 quit threat [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1889692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1889692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1889692"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1889692\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1889692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1889692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1889692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}