Russell addresses Verstappen exit threats: would understand his rival’s decision

The Dutchman has been heavily critical of the current generation of Formula 1 cars. In interviews, he has previously compared modern racing to Mario Kart and warned that the current regulations could have long-lasting consequences for the sport.

Russell would not like to see Verstappen leave, but believes that no driver is bigger than F1 itself.

He told a select group of media, including GPblog: "Well, Formula 1 is bigger than any driver. You wouldn’t want to lose Max, because I think we all enjoy racing against him."

Russell then highlighted when Verstappen had the upper hand, he was not as critical. "It's just part and parcel of Formula 1. I didn't enjoy driving the ‘22 car, porpoising in up and down. Killing everybody's backs.

According to the Briton, it would make sense that Verstappen chooses to race elsewhere.

He continued: "He's achieved what most drivers dream of, which is winning a championship. He's got four of them. There's not really much more for him to achieve in Formula 1, he's ticked all the boxes."

The British driver enjoys the German track himself, but right now, his focus is elsewhere. "I've driven hundreds of laps around the Nordschleife on the simulator. I would live chance to go and race around the Nordschleife. But my goal is to become a Formula 1 world champion.

"If I have four of them under my belt, I'll probably be doing the same. He’s in a very different stage of his career. And yeah, I think you'd understand if he stayed and you'd understand if he went," he concluded.