Timo Glock spies danger of Max Verstappen F1 future: 'It could happen'
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Max Verstappen could opt to leave F1, or at least take a sabbatical, after the birth of his first child, according to Timo Glock. The former F1 driver can see the Dutchman stepping away from the championship, a possibility that could be augmented by Red Bull's persistent struggles. It has been an inconsistent start to the campaign for the Milton Keynes squad, something that has not been aided by the decision to switch Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda around after just two rounds. Whilst the Japanese driver is getting up to speed, and looks far more comfortable than the 23-year-old did, there are serious unresolved issues with the RB21, as Glock was quick to point out. Verstappen has performed well throughout the difficulties and remains very much in the title fight, despite Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris racing in superior McLaren machinery. If Red Bull cannot make strides this term, or early next year when F1 ushers in a comprehensive regulations reset, Glock fears it could push the four-time F1 champion to walk away altogether, despite persistent links to both Mercedes and Aston Martin. "It hasn't been an easy start to the season [for Red Bull]," he said to Sky Sports Germany . "There are phases where the car works quite well, especially in Suzuka. The potential is there, but fundamentally, there are a lot of problems. "The car seems to work in a lot of fast corners, but in Australia and Bahrain, the opposite was the case. "We have to analyse it and hope for an update, after which Verstappen's future will become clear." Taking Verstappen seriously The German does believe there is a chance Verstappen comes back to F1, in the event that he has taken time out from racing, but feels the 64-time grand prix winner must be taken at his word when he threatens retirement. In the past, the Red Bull driver has repeatedly voiced that option, particularly in the midst of his dissatisfaction with the FIA . Now, with fatherhood just weeks away, Glock can see how that might increase the likelihood of Verstappen calling it quits. "It could happen if he says it's all too stupid and regulated for him," the former Jordan, Toyota and Virgin/Marussia driver said. "Maybe he'll come back at some point, but you have to take Verstappen seriously when he says he'd retire if he were repeatedly subjected to excessive punishment."
