Former F1 driver rejects fears over Verstappen exit: 'F1 doesn't need Max'

The four-time world champion has been the driver most openly critical of the new Formula 1 and a regulation set increasingly geared towards electrification, which has caused no shortage of headaches over the opening three races.

The Dutchman has repeatedly questioned whether it is still worth continuing in a sport that, at the moment, no longer excites him as it once did, consistently leaving the door open to a potential exit at the end of the season.

However, the former Ferrari driver, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, said he is not particularly concerned by Verstappen’s remarks, insisting that even if he were to walk away, there would be plenty of equally talented drivers ready to replace him.

Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Laurent Mekies revealed that what struck him most was the depth of Verstappen’s connection to motorsport, describing him as far more than just a Formula 1 driver.

He explained that Verstappen lives and breathes racing, with a deep understanding of both the technical complexity of an F1 car and the inner workings of a team. Whenever he has free time, he is either on the simulator or racing in any category he can find, underlining his relentless commitment to the sport.

He added that having a driver so immersed in every aspect of racing is a major asset, particularly when it comes to guiding car development in an era shaped by increasingly advanced technologies.