Christijan Albers explains why F1 ‘can’t lose’ Max Verstappen amid Red Bull driver retirement fear

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Christijan Albers thinks FIA officials will do everything in their power to keep Max Verstappen from retiring from the sport.

Reports emerged after the Japanese Grand Prix that Verstappen was ‘seriously’ considering retirement, as his frustration over the new regulations has reached a tipping point.

If he does intend to walk away, the four-time world champion will have a chance this year. Verstappen has a three-month window to activate the exit clause present in his current contract with Red Bull.

The clearest indication yet that Max Verstappen could quit F1

Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf broke the story

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With one of the biggest names in the sport contemplating walking away, officials have taken notice. Verstappen is set to meet with Stefano Domenicali to address some of his concerns very soon.

The hope is that Max Verstappen will ultimately reject any retirement opportunity, as his presence is fundamental to the success of Formula 1.

READ MORE: F1 journalist apologised to Max Verstappen after his head ‘dropped’ in Japanese GP media pen

Christijan Albers believes Max Verstappen must continue F1 criticisms

Christijan Albers spoke on De Telegraaf’s F1 podcast, where he discussed the importance of Verstappen staying in Formula 1 as one of the biggest names.

He noted that a talent like him is fundamental to their success. Albers also empathised with Verstappen’s frustration over a lack of true competition, even if he isn’t at the top of the grid.

“You always need big names. We saw that with Michael Schumacher. You see it with Lewis Hamilton as well. Not so much anymore… But you can’t lose Max; they will do everything to keep him.

“With all due respect, I think Max shouldn’t stop criticising them regardless. I understand how he feels, and I understand Max really has a will of his own.

“But he is a super talent, a real, natural talent who knows himself that he is one of the best of all time. If you have that in you, then you have to try and keep it going for as long as possible. I understand that he also wants other things in this world…”

“I look at him and see what his problem is, and I do feel for him. If you, whether you’re leading the race, you’re fighting with the drivers in second and third, or if you’re riding 11th or 12th, and you still have fights, fair fights, then it’s still fun. Because you’re making your race within your own race…

“That’s where you focus your attention. If you are half a second behind them, then you’re going to do everything you can to close the gap. At some point, it really becomes a fight. When you get into that fight, then the mindset is there. I think he can’t throw that away.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen could stay at Red Bull in non-driver role to fulfil F1 contract

If Max Verstappen retires from F1, who should Red Bull sign as his replacement?

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Christijan Albers says Max Verstappen has a ‘responsibility’ to surpass Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher

Speaking further about the legacy Verstappen will leave behind, Albers urged him to stay so he can surpass the legacies of both Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

“With all due respect, I know that he is completely not interested in that anymore, and of course, it is also a bit easier if you’re already as successful as he is… That doesn’t mean he has to stay unhappy for it, but I do think he is really in his prime, and I think he is just still there.

“I think he can still become the undisputed greatest and completely surpass Lewis. And I would find that a shame if he were to throw that away.

“I know that the Verstappens, particularly Max, aren’t concerned with that. I think he is the only driver right now or in history who can surpass Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. And I personally think that he has the responsibility to do so.”

For Max Verstappen, success is paramount, not because of his desire to create a legacy, but rather because that is what drives him in Formula 1.

The Dutch ace is more concerned with winning rather than with accolades and his legacy. However, Verstappen’s desire for pure racing could trump his thirst for winning in the sport.