As speculation intensifies around Max Verstappen’s long-term future in Formula 1, the FIA has confirmed a striking condition laid out by the reigning four-time World Champion himself: he may leave the sport after securing a historic fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title.
In a statement issued to international media ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, an FIA spokesperson acknowledged:
“We are aware of Max Verstappen’s stated position that a fifth title would be a natural point of reflection in his career. He has communicated that any decision to continue will depend not only on sporting performance but on the direction the sport takes under the 2026 regulations.”
This revelation comes just days after former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas boldly predicted Verstappen would retire at the end of the 2025 season.
“I think Max is going to win the Drivers’ this year, and then I think he’s going to call it a day,” Nicholas told the Lucas Stewart YouTube channel. “To not back Max is lunacy — he does everything well now.”
Verstappen, who earns a reported £60 million annually with Red Bull, is contracted through 2028. However, it is widely known that his deal includes performance and regulatory-related exit clauses. With Red Bull’s dominance now threatened by the resurgent McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Verstappen faces his toughest title battle in years — and is currently 49 points adrift of the lead.
Speaking candidly ahead of Montreal, Verstappen didn’t dismiss the speculation:
“Right now, I’m focused on this season. I want to win. That’s always my mindset. But I’ve also said before — I’m not going to stay in F1 forever. If I feel like I’ve achieved what I wanted, and the sport is no longer aligned with what motivates me, then I’ll step away. Simple as that.”
Adding to the personal dimension of the decision, Verstappen recently became a father for the first time after his partner Kelly Piquet gave 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to their daughter, Lily, in Monaco.
Piquet, speaking during a recent appearance at a digital media event, appeared to hint at future plans:
“Max has given everything to this sport. I think now he’s more aware of what matters most. Our family, our daughter… That’s where the future is.”
As the Canadian GP looms, the Verstappen camp remains tight-lipped on any definitive retirement plans, but the growing signs suggest F1’s reigning king may soon be ready to hand over the crown — if, and only if, he claims it one last time.