Max Verstappen could take YEAR-LONG break to look after new baby with glam Wag Kelly Piquet, claims F1 superstar

MAX VERSTAPPEN could take a year out from Formula 1 to look after his new baby, which is due on May 6.

The reigning world champion announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.

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Kelly Piquet is expecting a baby with Max Verstappen next month[/caption]

AP

Verstappen is in practice for Sunday’s Saudi GP[/caption]

The Dutch driver is not set to miss a race given the due date of the baby is after the Miami Grand Prix, giving him a brief window before racing in Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.

Verstappen’s future for next year, though, has been a constant point of speculation and Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last weekend by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great”.

Meanwhile an unnamed F1 driver said he believes that Verstappen’s most likely route will be taking a year off.

Next year feels like a lottery with which drivers and teams will be on top anyway, with drastic changes made for the 2026 regulations.

Mercedes and Aston Martin have been touted as a possible destination for Verstappen.

But Williams team boss James Vowles does not reckon the Dutchman would be a good fit for his former team Mercedes.

Vowles joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023 after spending more than two decades as an engineer at the team.

He also said Toto Wolff would be better off keeping his current driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

Instagram / @maxverstappen1

The couple shared the pregnancy news on social media[/caption]

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Vowles said: “Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max.

“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.

“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.

So I personally don’t think that’s the place for him.”

Vowles also said a link up between Russell and Verstappen would not work.

The two were locked in a furious row at the end of last season with Russell calling Verstappen a “bully” and the Dutch driver labelling the Brit a “loser.”

When Vowles was asked if a line-up involving the two would work, he said: “I don’t think so.

“I think they’re two very different characters.”

Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but there is an exit clause in his deal.

He is currently third in the driver’s standings, five points behind Oscar Piastri and three below Lando Norris in first.

Verstappen has already had a taste of life as a father figure given he is a step-dad to Piquet’s daughter Penelope.

When Norris was asked about his pal Verstappen taking a year out, he said: “I don’t know with Max, he is different to most I would say.

“Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best then go home, that’s his attitude, which I respect and like.

“You never know, he has said many times he wants to go do other racing in other categories and Max wants to enjoy his life.

“He is not here to try to be remembered forever and all those things, he wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants, I respect him.”