Max Verstappen has made a lot of noise about potentially retiring from Formula 1, and a clause in his Red Bull contract might just allow him to take the nuclear option this season.
The 28-year-old Dutch driver has been vocal in his dislike of the changes to the sport this season, particularly the changes made to the cars. He's described racing in 2026 as like "Mario Kart".
He currently sits ninth in the drivers standings and says the car changes have killed his enjoyment of driving.
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It has been revealed in a The Race report that he has a clause in his Red Bull contract that would allow him to quit the team and retire or pause his F1 career, if he is not in the top two in the standings as of the summer hiatus.
This is a change from last season, where he was able to quit if the team was not inside the top three of the drivers' championship.
Given the cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the timeline for Verstappen having the option to quit has now sped up.
Particularly as it is increasingly unlikely that he will be able to push into the top two mix, when he sits behind Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari cars, as well as Oliver Bearman and Pierre Gasly.
According to The Race, Verstappen doesn't even need to notify Red Bull of his decision until October.
ESPN has separately reported that Verstappen would not retire from the sport, but rather take a break and depart Red Bull for the time being.
As of now, he is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, although the clauses in his favour complicate matters.
Verstappen dominated the F1 scene for four straight years been 2021 and 2024 and has won 71 grand prix races.
Speaking with the BBC after Suzuka, he admitted he was contemplating his future.
"That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock," he said.
"Privately I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it?
"Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"
Verstappen has been vocal since before the season even started about his dislike of the new regulations and the car, calling it "undriveable" after being eliminated in Q2 in Japan.
His next chance to race won't come for another month, due to the cancellations in the Middle East, with Miami on May 3 now next up.
A month away from the chaos might be the recharge Verstappen needs, or it could solidify his desire to give the sport up and spend more time with his family.
Verstappen finished sixth in Melbourne, before retiring in China due to an issue with the car.
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