Former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas believes that Max Verstappen will clinch his fifth world championship this year and subsequently retire early. The Dutchman has a contract until 2028, but according to Nicholas, he does not plan to fulfill it in its entirety. Verstappen has hinted in recent years that the obligations of Formula 1 are becoming increasingly burdensome for him. Moreover, he regularly shows interest in other racing classes.
In the run-up to the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen is 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. Lando Norris is also ahead of him – the Brit has a lead of 39 points. Despite this deficit, former mechanic and Red Bull ambassador Calum Nicholas expects Verstappen to secure his fifth consecutive world title this year. With fifteen Grand Prix races still to go, the 27-year-old driver would have plenty of time to overtake both McLaren drivers. However, should he become champion again, Nicholas believes Verstappen will retire immediately.
“I think Max (Verstappen) will win the driver’s title this year, and then he will quit,” Nicholas predicted on Lucas Stewart’s YouTube channel. He is convinced that it would be a big mistake to rule out the Dutchman for the world championship, despite the current standings. “Writing off Max is simply madness,” the Englishman stated emphatically.
Consistency as a Weapon
Verstappen is said to have proven last year that he can clinch the championship in a lesser car. While Red Bull finished third among the constructors, the Limburger ‘simply’ outperformed the competition. This year too, he has – with victories in Japan and Imola – proven that he can fight for the title. According to Nicholas, Verstappen’s relentless consistency is his main weapon against McLaren.
“That guy is just so incredibly good,” he said, referring to Verstappen. “Not just in terms of technical skills and talent – I’ve really seen Max grow into someone who can do it all,” he explained. “He’s doing everything right now.” In this context, Nicholas dismissed the idea that there is a curse on the second Red Bull seat. It’s simply Verstappen who, when it comes down to it, makes the difference time and time again.”
