Lando Norris believes it would be a loss for Formula One if Max Verstappen were to leave the sport.

The Red Bull driver's future in F1 is in doubt after he was unhappy with the regulation changes made for the 2026 campaign.

Verstappen has been very critical of the new changes, which Red Bull have struggled to adapt to, most notably calling the sport "Formula E on steroids".

The four-time world champion currently sits ninth in the Drivers' Championship, with just 12 points to his name from the opening three races.

Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell lead the way, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are also enjoying a strong start to the 2026 campaign.

Verstappen has voiced his frustration and claimed he could leave F1 if they continue down the same path.

Although Norris would like Verstappen to stay, he understands the Dutchman's motivation to leave.

"Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants. He's won four world championships," said Norris.

"And he's always been that guy, it's not just now. 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.

"It would be a shame for the sport, it will be a miss for the sport, if that does happen because he probably is one of the best drivers you'll see in Formula 1 ever.

"And I think it would 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 and it's always cool to race against someone that's won four championships.

"You always feel like you want to race against the best in the world and he certainly is one of them so yeah it would be a loss for the sport."