Max Verstappen's highest finish so far this season is sixth
George Russell says Formula 1 "would not want to lose" Max Verstappen - but he would "understand" if the four-time world champion decided to leave the sport this year.
Verstappen said at the Japanese Grand Prix that he was considering his future in F1 because of his dissatisfaction with how the cars behave under new rules introduced this year.
Russell, who has had a difficult relationship with Verstappen in the past, said: "Formula 1 is bigger than any driver, so you wouldn't want to lose Max, because I think we all enjoy racing against Max."
But the British driver added: "You'd understand if he stayed and you'd understand if he went."
