By Joe Murphy
Recent events that unfolded in Spain last time out have only added fuel to the rumours of an early retirement from Fornula 1 for Max Verstappen.
His potential retirement from F1 at the end of 2025 has been speculated upon for a little while now. So let’s examine the slim likelihood in more depth.
Verstappen’s team, Red Bull, has been struggling with their car performance this season, making it challenging for him to win the championship. He’s currently 49 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.
Calum Nicholas, a former Red Bull mechanic, predicts Verstappen might retire after winning five championships, which could be a motivating factor if he feels his title hopes are dwindling.
The Dutchman’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but he’s expressed openness about his future, citing the demanding nature of F1 and the expanding calendar. At 27, he’s already achieved immense success, and the prospect of continuing for another three years might not appeal to him.
Lewis Hamilton’s biggest weakness
The four time and reigning Champion of the World has shown interest in endurance racing, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours. He might choose to pursue other motorsport opportunities that offer a different challenge and schedule. He is also newly a father which could see him prioritise family ties moving forward.
Verstappen’s recent performances and comments suggest growing frustration with the sport, including the “show” aspect of F1 and the pressure to perform. This dissatisfaction could contribute to his decision to retire. As Verstappen welcomed news of expecting his first child in 2025, his priorities might be shifting. He may want to focus more on his personal life and less on the intense demands of F1.
It’s worth noting that Verstappen himself hasn’t made any definitive statements about retiring at the end of 2025, and his future plans seem to depend on various factors, including the new car regulations in 2026 and his overall enjoyment of the sport. If he stays as long as the likes of Hamilton and Alonso have done, then he could break all sorts of records. That is a big ‘if’, however.
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