The future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 remains a subject of intense speculation as the four-time world champion continues to voice dissatisfaction with the 2026 technical regulations and the handling characteristics of current machinery.

While F1 prepares to introduce adjustments aimed at refining the rulebook ahead of next week’s Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen’s peers at McLaren weighed in on the potential departure of the sport’s most dominant figure during a media event on Wednesday.

Peers Praise Verstappen’s Impact

As reported by Sky Sports, world champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri—both of whom challenged Verstappen for the title last season—expressed that his exit would be a major loss to the sport. Norris emphasised that Verstappen has "earned the right to go and do whatever he wants" following his fourth championship.

"He's always been that guy; it's not just now," Norris said. "He's always been very open to say what he thinks, whether you agree or not or whether you should say it or shouldn't. He's himself, and I think that's a very good way to live your life."

Norris, who has also been critical of the 2026 cars and their 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, noted that the perception of the vehicles is relative. While newcomers might find them impressive, veteran drivers have superior previous models for comparison. Despite the rumours of retirement, Norris added, "I was just told he said he wants to win fifth world championship at the minute, so I'm sure he'll stay longer than people say."

Piastri echoed these sentiments, noting that Verstappen has been the sport's "benchmark" for at least the last five or six years. "For us as drivers, we want to race against the best and try and prove ourselves against the best," the Australian driver said, adding that losing a driver of Verstappen’s calibre would not be a "great look" for Formula 1.

The Lambiase Factor

Speculation regarding Verstappen’s long-term destination intensified following the announcement that his long-term race engineer and confidant, Gianpiero Lambiase, will join McLaren in 2028. While Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028, his agreement reportedly contains performance clauses that could facilitate an earlier exit.

Mercedes has long been viewed as the primary alternative for the Dutchman, with negotiations between the two parties occurring over the last two years. However, the acquisition of Lambiase has raised questions about whether McLaren might now be in the running.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown dismissed the idea of a roster change, expressing total confidence in his current lineup. "We have long-term agreements with them, and I think it's the greatest driver pairing on and off the track, so we have no intention of replacing any of our two superstars," Brown told Sky Sports News. "Where might he go? If I had to bet, I'd say to Mercedes."

Regarding Lambiase, Brown stated that McLaren intends to respect the engineer’s existing Red Bull contract, which runs until 2028, unless a mutual agreement is reached earlier. "We're prepared to wait to '28, and that's what we'll do if that's what ends up happening," Brown concluded.