The Formula 1 world was shaken at the beginning of May 2025 by an emotional moment during an interview in which Kelly Piquet, the partner of Max Verstappen, spoke with tears about his future in sport. According to recent reports, which went viral on platforms such as X, Piquet would have hinted in an exclusive interview with a Brazilian channel to the moment when Verstappen, the four -time world champion, would hang his helmet on the willows. Although the interview itself is not yet public and details remain scarce, the suggestion that Verstappen may stop faster than expected a shock wave among fans. The combination of Piquet’s emotional response and the speculation about Verstappen’s pension has led to a flood of reactions, ranging from disbelief to concern.
Max Verstappen, who won his fourth world title in a row in 2024, is seen as one of the greatest talents in the history of Formula 1. With a contract with Red Bull Racing that runs until 2028, his future seemed insured for the time being. However, in recent years, Verstappen has repeatedly played on his wish to lead a life outside of Formula 1. In an interview withDe TelegraafIn November 2024 he spoke about his desire to spend more time with his family, especially after the birth of his daughter Lily in May 2025 with Piquet. The arrival of Lily, combined with his intense racing schedule, seems to have shifted his priorities, which may be the background for Piquet’s emotional eruption.
According to sources, Piquet’s tears would arise from a discussion about how Verstappen wants to close his career. Although concrete statements about a retirement date are missing, posts on X suggest that Piquet spoke about “a few years” before Verstappen leaves the sport, possibly before the end of his contract in 2028. This would mean that the 27-year-old driver, who is still in the prime of his career, leaves the Formula 1 at a moment that he is still on his peak. Fans reacted shocked, with messages such as that of @f1fannl on X: “Stop Max for his 30th? That can’t be true!” Others speculated that Piquet’s emotions came from the pressure that the constant journeys and the media attention put on their families.
Kelly Piquet, himself a well -known model and influencer with 1.3 million followers on Instagram, has openly talked about the challenges of her life alongside Verstappen in the past. In an Instagram Story from August 2024, published byShownieuws, she described how her daughter Penelope, from an earlier relationship, often has to miss because of her work. Her emotional bond with her family and her role as the mother of both Penelope and Lily make her reaction to Verstappen’s future plans all the more understandable. Nevertheless, the vague nature of the reporting raises questions. Without an official statement from Verstappen or Piquet, it remains unclear whether the pensionhint is an actual announcement or an exaggeration of an emotional moment.
The Formula 1 community is divided on what this means for Verstappen’s legacy. With 63 victories and an unparalleled dominance since 2021, he has little to prove anymore. Nevertheless, fans hope for more records, such as the breaking of Lewis Hamilton’s seven world titles. An early pension would jeopardize these ambitions, but it would also fit with Verstappen’s independent character. In an interview withGPFansIn December 2024 he emphasized that “he is not racing to break records, but to enjoy.” His recent paternity and the stability that Piquet offers him seem to reinforce this philosophy of life.
In the meantime, Red Bull Racing remains silent about the rumors. Team boss Christian Horner spoke on May 14, 2025, according toGP33, about the upcoming rule changes in Formula 1, but avoided questions about Verstappen’s future. This silence feeds speculation, while fans and analysts wait for clarity. For Piquet, who is often present at races and Verstappen’s successes, such as his emotional victory in Brazil in 2024, the personal side of this Saga is clearly noticeable.
While the Formula 1 season is approaching 2025, with the first test days in February, the future of Verstappen remains a hot topic. Whether Piquet’s tears were a definitive hint after his farewell or only an emotional moment, the Formula 1 world hangs on her lips. For the time being, Verstappen remains focused on defending his title, but the question remains: how long does the king of Formula 1 continue to race?
