Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula One world champion, is reportedly contemplating a year off from racing to focus on his impending fatherhood. With his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, expected to give birth to their first child on May 6, 2025, Verstappen is weighing the prospect of stepping back from the high-octane world of F1 in 2026, according to various sources.
The news comes as Verstappen prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for early May, which falls just before the arrival of his baby. Despite the timing, Verstappen is not expected to miss any races this season. However, the speculation surrounding his future has intensified, particularly as the sport gears up for significant regulatory changes in 2026.
According to a report from The Sun, two key factors are influencing Verstappen's decision. First and foremost is the upcoming birth of his child, which has prompted the Dutch driver to consider dedicating more time to his family. An unnamed F1 driver has called the possibility of Verstappen taking a year off "very credible," noting that next year feels like a "lottery" due to the uncertainty surrounding the new regulations.
As the 2026 season approaches, teams are bracing for a complete overhaul of technical rules, which has left many in the paddock uncertain about their competitive standing. Red Bull Racing, Verstappen's current team, is collaborating with Ford on a new engine, but the success of this partnership remains to be seen. Verstappen himself has expressed a desire to observe which team adapts best to the new rules before committing to a new contract.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently stoked the flames of speculation by stating that the concern about Verstappen potentially leaving the team is "great." With Verstappen currently third in the driver’s standings—five points behind Oscar Piastri and three points behind Lando Norris—his performance this season remains a focal point as he aims for a record-equalling fifth consecutive world title.
Verstappen's potential absence from the grid has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Williams team boss James Vowles, who previously spent over two decades at Mercedes, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that a move to Mercedes might not be the best fit for Verstappen. Vowles remarked, "Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max. But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge."
Vowles also mentioned that the existing driver lineup at Mercedes, featuring George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, is performing exceptionally well and that Verstappen's aggressive racing style might not mesh well with the team's current culture.
As the F1 world watches closely, Verstappen's peers have also shared their thoughts on the matter. Lando Norris, a close friend of Verstappen, commented on the situation, saying, "I don’t know with Max; he is different from most, I would say. Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best, then go home, that’s his attitude, which I respect and like." Norris acknowledged that Verstappen has often expressed interest in exploring other racing categories and living life on his own terms.
Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but it includes an exit clause that could allow him to leave earlier if he chooses. This flexibility adds another layer of intrigue to his future in the sport. With the new season already underway, fans are eager to see how Verstappen balances his racing career with his new role as a father.
The 2025 Formula One season has already seen significant changes, including Lewis Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari, and the emergence of McLaren's Norris and Piastri as serious contenders for the title. As Verstappen navigates this pivotal moment in his life, the racing community waits with bated breath to see what decision he ultimately makes regarding his career and family.
In the meantime, Verstappen's focus remains on the track, where he continues to compete fiercely. As he prepares for the upcoming races, the anticipation of his father's day looms large, creating a unique blend of excitement and uncertainty for one of F1's biggest stars.
With the Miami Grand Prix just around the corner, the spotlight will be on Verstappen, not only as he competes for points but also as he prepares to embrace fatherhood. The coming weeks promise to be eventful for the Dutch driver, who is balancing the thrill of racing with the joys and responsibilities of becoming a parent.
As the 2026 regulations draw closer, the question remains: will Verstappen take a break to focus on family, or will he continue to chase glory on the racetrack? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Max Verstappen's journey is far from over.
