Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen could be set to take a year away from the sport to look after his new baby.
The Dutch driver and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet are expecting their first child together on May 6.
Verstappen announced the pregnancy last December, with Piquet, daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, set to give birth after the Miami Grand Prix.
This timing would allow Verstappen to be present for the birth before returning for the Imola race scheduled for May 16-18.
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are expecting a baby very soon
An unnamed F1 driver has suggested Verstappen's most likely move could be taking a year off from the sport.
Speculation about Verstappen's future beyond Red Bull has been constant, with Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko recently fuelling rumours.
Marko stated last weekend that the concern about the Dutchman leaving was "great".
The 2026 regulation changes have created uncertainty about which teams will dominate Formula 1 next season.
Mercedes and Aston Martin have been mentioned as possible destinations for Verstappen should he leave Red Bull.
The four-time world champion is currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028.
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However, his deal reportedly includes an exit clause that could allow him to move elsewhere.
Verstappen currently sits third in the driver's standings, five points behind Oscar Piastri and three below championship leader Lando Norris.
While Mercedes has been mentioned as a potential destination, Williams team boss James Vowles believes Verstappen wouldn't be a good fit there.
Vowles, who joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023 after more than two decades as an engineer at the team, shared his candid assessment.
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Max Verstappen has been told he could quit Formula One for a year
Reuters"Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max," Vowles said.
"I don't think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. [Verstappen's performance in] Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping. Well done to him."
"But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge."
Vowles suggested Mercedes would be better off keeping its current line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
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"What Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that's on the way up," he said.
When asked if Russell and Verstappen could work together, Vowles was doubtful: "I don't think so. I think they're two very different characters."
The pair clashed last season with Russell calling Verstappen a "bully" and the Dutchman labelling Russell a "loser."
Lando Norris offered insight into his friend's mindset: "Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best then go home. You never know, he has said many times he wants to go do other racing."
