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Oscar Piastri says Formula One risks losing its benchmark driver if Max Verstappen’s frustration with new rules pushes him out.
Australian driver Oscar Piastri has warned it would be a significant loss for Formula One if four-time world champion Max Verstappen walked away from the sport amid growing frustration with recent rule changes.
Verstappen, Red Bull's lead driver, has been one of the most vocal critics of the new power unit regulations introduced this season.
The updated engines, which split output almost evenly between internal combustion and electrical power, have forced drivers to conserve energy through lift-and-coast techniques. That has led to concerns about racing quality and safety due to increased speed differentials.
The Dutchman recently compared the racing to Mario Kart and suggested driver skill was being diluted, raising doubts about his long-term future in Formula One.
Speaking at McLaren's headquarters in Woking, Piastri said losing Verstappen at this stage of his career would reflect poorly on the sport.
He described the reigning champion as the benchmark driver of the past decade and stressed the importance of competing against the best.
Piastri indicated it would be disappointing for drivers and fans alike if Verstappen stepped away due to disillusionment with the sport's direction.
McLaren teammate and reigning world champion Lando Norris echoed that view, noting Verstappen had earned the right to choose his future after four titles.
Norris said the Dutchman remained one of the finest drivers in Formula One history and admitted his absence would be felt across the grid, even if racing against him had often proved difficult.
Formula One officials have responded to the criticism by agreeing to several engine rule tweaks during the current break.
The changes, set to be introduced at next month's Miami Grand Prix, aim to improve racing by allowing drivers to push harder in qualifying and limiting the impact of closing speeds through adjustments such as a boost-button cap.
Piastri said the revisions appeared to be a step forward but added that their effectiveness would only become clear once cars return to the track.