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Max Verstappen’s Longtime Ally Makes Surprise Retirement Prediction and Backs Him to Leave Red Bull.

A surprising retirement prediction has emerged from within Max Verstappen’s inner circle, as his longtime mechanic and confidant, Calum Nicholas, suggests that the reigning Formula 1 champion may hang up his racing gloves sooner than expected — potentially as early as the end of the 2025 season. The revelation adds a new layer of intrigue to Verstappen’s already intense season.

Nicholas, who worked closely with Verstappen during Red Bull Racing’s dominant years, recently shared his thoughts during a casual round of golf on Lucas Stewart’s YouTube channel. When asked how many world titles he believed Verstappen would win before retiring, Nicholas didn’t hesitate: “Five.” He elaborated, saying he expects Verstappen to clinch another championship this year and then walk away from the sport at his peak. “I think Max is going to win the Drivers’ this year, and then I think he’s going to call it a day,” Nicholas predicted.

Pressed on whether he had inside information, given his longstanding relationship with Verstappen, Nicholas coyly denied any privileged knowledge. “No, I definitely don’t know anything,” he said, leaving fans and pundits to wonder whether there might still be more to the story.

This bold prediction coincides with Nicholas’ own career shift, as he recently announced his retirement from the F1 pit lane after 13 years. He’ll now serve as an ambassador for Red Bull Racing — a role that still keeps him within the F1 world, but at a distance from the high-pressure garage environment. “The time has come to hang up my race suit,” he shared in a heartfelt statement. “I’m incredibly proud of my career and grateful for the experiences I’ve had. Now I’m looking forward to a new chapter as a Red Bull Racing ambassador.”

As for Verstappen, the road to a fifth title has been anything but straightforward this season. Currently sitting third in the Drivers’ Standings, he trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 49 points. With just two race wins and four podiums so far, Verstappen is struggling to recapture the dominance he displayed in previous seasons. Meanwhile, Red Bull is under increasing pressure from McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, currently trailing the British team by 218 points.

Complicating matters further, Verstappen has come dangerously close to a one-race ban after receiving penalty points for a controversial incident with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. He now has 11 points on his Super Licence — just one short of the 12-point threshold that would trigger an automatic suspension. This means the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix will be critical for both his championship hopes and his ability to stay on the track.

Though Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull through 2028, he has previously expressed little interest in staying in Formula 1 deep into his 30s or 40s, unlike veterans Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. While he hasn’t publicly confirmed any retirement timeline, his remarks and current struggles suggest he may be thinking seriously about life beyond the racetrack.

As speculation swirls, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Verstappen adds a fifth title to his legacy — and whether that milestone will mark the end of one of modern F1’s most successful careers.