Once again, Max Verstappen’s future is making headlines. This time, it’s a former Red Bull figure stirring the pot with a bold claim about the Dutch driver.
The Formula 1 world often finds itself speculating about Max Verstappen’s future. Reigniting rumors of a possible retirement at the end of the season is Calum Nicholas, a former Red Bull technician, who shared a prediction bound to spark debate during an interview on Lucas Stewart’s YouTube channel: “I think Max will win his fifth title this year and then I believe he’ll retire.”
A bold statement, one that goes far beyond a simple sporting forecast. According to Nicholas, Verstappen is ready to close the F1 chapter after securing his fifth consecutive world title—an achievement that would place him firmly among the sport’s all-time greats.
No Insider Info, But Total Conviction
When asked whether he had inside information, Nicholas responded clearly: “No, I don’t know anything.” Yet, his conviction remained unshaken.
“Thinking Max isn’t in the title fight is crazy,” he added—underscoring the idea that, despite Red Bull’s current struggles or rumors of a move to Mercedes or a new team in 2026, Verstappen remains the benchmark in the sport.
A Future Away from Racing?
This isn’t the first time speculation has arisen about the Dutch champion’s early retirement. Verstappen himself has hinted on multiple occasions that he doesn’t plan to stay in the sport for too long, especially if F1 continues to shift toward an entertainment-driven format and away from pure racing. The four-time world champion has often stated he wants to choose the right moment to step away—on his terms—without waiting for a drop in performance or media pressure.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing, Maia Snow
