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F1 warned about Max Verstappen comments cant afford to lose him

Formula 1 have been warned about Max Verstappens comments and have been told they cant afford the four-time world champion to leave the sport

[Max Verstappen refused to answer any questions until the reporter had left]

Max Verstappen has spoken out against the regulations(Image: Getty)

Formula 1 have been warned they cannot let Max Verstappen leave the sport after his comments about the current car.

The four-time world champion lost his grip on the World Championship last year after Lando Norris held his nerve to finish just two points ahead of the resurgent Dutchman. But this season is painting a different picture entirely for Verstappen with Red Bull not at the front of the field.

Verstappen has spoken out on numerous occasions against the new regulations, even before Mercedes and Ferraris advantage in development over Red Bull was realised. He has also threatened to quit the sport for a racing discipline he could enjoy more.

[MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 08, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)]

Verstappen has endured a frustrating start to the season(Image: Rudy Carezzevoli, Getty Images)

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Speaking to Grosvenor Casinos, six-time Grand Prix winner Riccardo Patrese insisted that F1 will have to pander to Verstappen to stop him leaving the sport. He said: No, we cannot lose Max from Formula 1 because he is the driver who makes the show so much better. F1 needs a driver like Max. They cannot afford to lose him.

We know that he decided to stay at Red Bull for one season so he could assess who was best under the new rules.

If he sees the Red Bull cant give him a competitive car, he will go to another team where he can be in championship contention. At least he did not sign a three or four-year contract with Red Bull.

Its a frustrating season but I think before leaving Formula 1, he would like to try to have another competitive car and maybe go for his fifth championship.

Max has already had a lot of satisfaction with what he has achieved. Maybe hell now say, Thats it, I have had enough, Ill go fishing!

He is a very strong character; if he gets upset, he could well go away. But F1 cannot afford to lose him, and F1 fans cant afford to lose Verstappen from the show.

Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Patrese suggested that Red Bull have plenty of ground to make up, but they could be helped by the FIA tweaking the regulations.

Max has already said, if I don't have fun I can go racing in other places, the Italian said. First of all, lets see what the FIA says it has to put on the table to make things better. I hope they have the right cards to make the drivers happy.

Max is not happy because the engine is not really working. Red Bull and Ford have a lot of ground to make up to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari.

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