Max Verstappen could join an exceptionally exclusive club this weekend — only Michael Schumacher has ever won five consecutive Formula 1 world championships. Yet, as the Abu Dhabi finale looms, the Red Bull star appears strikingly calm about the prospect.

Neither of Verstappen’s parents will be trackside for the potential milestone. His father, Jos, is competing in a rally event in Africa, while his mother, Sophie, opted to remain home with the family dogs. Earlier in the season, Verstappen’s deficit in the standings made such a turnaround seem unlikely, and plans were made accordingly.

After the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort in late August, Verstappen trailed then-championship leader Oscar Piastri by 104 points. Now, with days to go, he has surged to four points ahead of the McLaren rookie and sits just 12 behind Lando Norris — an astonishing swing that could soon become the greatest title comeback in the sport’s history.

“It wasn’t planned,” Verstappen laughed when asked about his parents’ absence. “I didn’t really expect to be fighting for the championship at the end — and here we are. After Zandvoort, everything was pretty much cancelled. They can watch plenty on TV anyway.”

The championship trophy was placed next to the three contenders during Thursday’s press conference, all seated together on a sofa. Verstappen, noting he already has four similar trophies at home, joked that his signature “hasn’t changed.”

As his rivals described their final preparations — sticking to their routines, playing padel, fulfilling sponsor duties — Verstappen’s approach sounded more like a weekend at home.

“I spent some time with my daughter,” he said. “I figured out some things for GT3 next year, and for my sim team as well — just planning ahead. Pretty straightforward before coming here.”

All three title contenders — Verstappen, Piastri and Norris — head into the finale with seven race wins each. But Verstappen insists he remains the underdog, and that he has already achieved everything he set out to do in Formula 1.

“I’m very relaxed. Nothing to lose,” the 28-year-old said. “I’m just enjoying being here. Having those wins again is fantastic, and being in this title fight — it’s all a bonus for me.

“We’ll try to have a good weekend, of course. But it’s not really in my control. So we just try to enjoy it.”