Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expressed strong opinions on rival Max Verstappen's threats to leave the Formula 1 grid, stating that it will be "a shame for the sport".

McLaren had the dominant package for much of the 2025 F1 season, winning more races than any other team and clinching the Constructors' Championship with relative ease.

However, the Drivers' Standings were a lot tighter, primarily due to the Red Bull of Verstappen placing his RB21 right at the sharp end where perhaps it had no right to be.

In the end, Norris won the Title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, just two points ahead of Verstappen in second place.

Unfortunately, both McLaren and Red Bull have fallen down the order in 2026, as Mercedes have retaken the top spot in the pecking order that they held for a while at the beginning of the turbo-hybrid era from 2014.

Red Bull in particular are in dire straits, as numerous high-profile figures have left the team in recent years and the Milton Keynes-based outfit currently find themselves in P6 in the Constructors'.

Due to a combination of this and grievances with the frustrating driving style demanded by the latest technical regulations, Verstappen has repeatedly stated that he is considering leaving F1 for another motorsport category in 2026.

Not a good look for the sport

On this matter, Norris and Piastri gave their thoughts at a media event at the McLaren Technology Centre, where GrandPrix247 were in attendance.

Piastri spoke first, stating: "Yeah, I mean, it would be a shame if that does end up happening. I think, you know, clearly, the Red Bull doesn't look like the most competitive car at the moment.

"It would be a shame for the sport to lose Max, you know, especially at this point in his career as well. For us as drivers, we want to race against the best, and try to prove ourselves against the best.

"And I think Max has shown his calibre in the last ten years. And I think especially in the last five or six, he's been the benchmark.

"So I think for everyone it would be a pretty big shame. And obviously not a great look," concluded the Australian driver.

Verstappen has always been open

Norris echoed his teammate's thoughts on Verstappen's potential departure, adding that the Dutchman has earned the right to decide his own future and has already achieved a lot in F1.

This contrasts the 26-year-old's comments earlier in the year, where he stated that Verstappen should simply retire if he doesn't like the 2026 cars.

He said during the media event: "I mean, Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants; he's won four Championships!

"And he's always been that guy. It's not just now, you know, he's always been very open to say what he thinks, whether you agree or not, or whether he should say it or shouldn't. Yeah, he's himself, and I think that's a very good way to live your life. So it will be a shame for the sport.

"He probably is one of the best drivers you'll see in Formula One ever. And I think it'll be a shame for us, because I think as much as he makes our lives incredibly tough at times, he's always good fun to race against. You always feel like you want to race against the best in the world, and he certainly is one of them," added the Briton.

Norris concluded by expressing his belief that Verstappen will likely remain in F1, despite all the rumours circling around.

"And I also saw it, he said he wants to win a fifth World Championship. So I'm sure he'll stay longer than people say," Norris said.