Max Verstappen reveals plans for F1 break after pregnancy announcement

max verstappen, kelly piquet, wedding, party, 2024, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen reveals plans for F1 break after pregnancy announcement

Max Verstappen claimed his fourth consecutive title in 2024

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Monday 23 December 2024 04:00

Newly minted four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has revealed his plans for some time away from the sport.

The Dutchman had a long year in 2024, being pushed significantly harder by his rivals than in the previous two seasons as Red Bull's dominance begins to wane. However, the news late in the year that his partner Kelly Piquet is expecting the pair's first child together.

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Following Lando Norris’ maiden victory at the Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull were regularly tested and eventually usurped by the pace of McLaren each weekend.

The Woking-based outfit achieved their first constructors’ victory since 1998, whilst Red Bull dropped to third in the standings in a huge blow to the reigning champions.

Max Verstappen claimed the title in a difficult 2024 for Red Bull

McLaren claimed the constructors' in 2024

How long will Verstappen stay at Red Bull?

Alongside his title rivalry with Norris, the champion was also embroiled in a feud with George Russell towards the end of the season, following a penalty for Verstappen at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen received a grid drop for allegedly driving under the minimum lap time set by the race director, with Russell promoted to pole position and Verstappen accusing the Brit of being ‘two-faced’ after campaigning for the penalty.

However, Russell retaliated in Abu Dhabi where he alleged that Verstappen had threatened him before the race, and labelled the champion as a 'bully'.

Speaking to oe24, Verstappen addressed their feud and claimed that their spat had calmed down since Abu Dhabi.

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"We spoke briefly after the race in Abu Dhabi. That's OK, we'll start again next year and it will be fine," Verstappen said.

Verstappen also provided some insight into his F1 winter break plans, following the news that him and his partner Kelly Piquet are expecting their first child.

"I'll also be skiing. Not too much or too aggressively, but it's part of it,” he added.

Red Bull Max Verstappen McLaren Lando Norris George Russell Miami Grand Prix