Formula One WITHOUT Max Verstappen?

TL;DR

Verstappen's likely retirement would cost F1 significant revenue, viewership, and spectacle, with no current driver able to fill the void.

Key Points

• 1.Verstappen's departure looks increasingly likely. His engineer Lambiase is moving to McLaren in 2028, the RB22 has left him unable to even get upset, and he's stated he'll decide his future in the fourth break before May racing resumes.
• 2.Jos Verstappen's comments hint at retirement despite denial. Jos told press they encouraged Lambiase to take the McLaren opportunity, said goals had changed, and while he thinks Max will continue, the creator believes this could be a white lie to protect sponsors.
• 3.Former drivers' dismissals of Verstappen's importance are unconvincing. Ralf Schumacher said F1 is bigger than any individual and suggested exotic travel as a reason to stay; Eddie Irvine claimed F1 doesn't need Max and cited his 50M salary as incentive — both arguments the creator strongly rejects.
• 4.The Orange Army represents an irreplaceable commercial force. Dutch fans fill 80,000 seats at nearby European venues; Viaplay paid €50M for Dutch F1 broadcast rights and is already struggling — Verstappen's exit would likely bankrupt them entirely.
• 5.F1 will survive but become duller and smaller. No current driver generates the same media controversy or admiration; Red Bull loses a titleholder aura for sponsors; the creator personally would watch more casually, possibly miss races, and finally launch a film channel.