Timo Glock warns F1 bosses about the ‘stupid’ reason Max Verstappen could retire early

Speculation of Max Verstappen’s exit from Formula 1 has grown after the Dutchman has struggled to replicate his domination in recent years.

Verstappen started his 11th season in F1 with Red Bull Racing in 2025, having taken him six seasons before he became a world champion.

After winning his first title in 2021, the Dutchman alluded to him potentially leaving the sport having already achieved his goal, but now he has set his sights on the all-time records currently being set by Lewis Hamilton.

Helmut Marko has warned that a lack of regular winning from Verstappen could lead to him retiring early, given that he now has a family with his longtime partner Kelly Piquet. Verstappen himself said he was ‘fed up’ of being asked about his Red Bull future, amid speculation he could leave the team.

Former F1 driver Timo Glock has now outlined another reason that could see an early exit from Verstappen, warning bosses in his latest Sky Sports Germany column.

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Timo Glock sees Max Verstappen retiring due to ‘repeated punishment’

Verstappen is known for being a controversial driver on track, having recently caught the eye of the stewards at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

After being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, Verstappen felt the penalty was too harsh and criticised the stewards.

In 2024 his driving standards were also in the spotlight, leading to a rule change for 2025 after consultation between his rivals over what is acceptable.

Glock feels this constant scruitiny could lead to Verstappen making an early exit from F1, coupled with the lack of success.

“It can happen when he says it’s all too stupid and regulated for him. Maybe he will come back at some point, but you have to take Verstappen seriously when he says he would say goodbye with repeated exaggerated punishment,” said Glock.

Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull if problems persist

Verstappen is currently contracted until the end of the 2028 season with Red Bull, but that deal contains certain exit clauses.

One of those is if Verstappen is not in the top three of the Drivers’ Championship, which Red Bull guaranteed to him given their success in previous years.

Red Bull lost its legendary design guru, Adrian Newey, and the team has struggled with current regulations. Newey was known for being a virtuoso of ground effect cars, often helping them with problems on track.

Verstappen is now having to build up his performance over race weekends, but it often leaves him on the back foot compared to rivals.

His sheer talent is currently carrying them and the Drivers’ Championship is evidence, with him on 87 points and teammate Yuki Tsunoda only on five points.