The Formula 1 world was rocked in early May 2025 by an emotional moment during an interview in which Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s partner, spoke through tears about his future in the sport. According to recent reports, which have gone viral on platforms such as X, Piquet is said to have hinted at a time when Verstappen, the four-time world champion, would hang up his helmet in an exclusive interview with a Brazilian broadcaster. While the interview itself has not yet been made public and details remain scarce, the suggestion that Verstappen could retire sooner than expected has sent shockwaves through fans. The combination of Piquet’s emotional response and speculation about Verstappen’s retirement has led to a flood of reactions ranging from disbelief to concern.

Max Verstappen, who won his fourth consecutive world title in 2024, is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Formula 1 history. With a contract with Red Bull Racing running until 2028, his future in the sport seemed assured for the time being. However, in recent years, Verstappen has repeatedly hinted at his desire to pursue a life outside of Formula 1. In an interview with De Telegraaf in 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, appears to have shifted his priorities, which may have been the backdrop for Piquet’s emotional outburst.

Piquet’s tears reportedly stemmed from a discussion about how Verstappen wants to end his career. While there is no concrete word on a retirement date, posts on X suggest that Piquet spoke of “a few years” before Verstappen leaves the sport, possibly before the end of his contract in 2028. This would mean the 27-year-old driver, who is still in the prime of his career, is leaving Formula 1 at a time when he is still at his peak. Fans reacted with shock, with posts such as @F1FanNL on X: “Max quitting before he is 30? That can’t be true!” Others speculated that Piquet’s emotions stemmed from the pressure that constant travel and media attention are putting on their family.

Kelly Piquet, a well-known model and influencer with 1.3 million followers on Instagram, has spoken openly in the past about the challenges of her life alongside Verstappen. In an August 2024 Instagram Story published by Shownieuws , she described how she often has to miss her daughter Penelope, from a previous relationship, because of her work. Her emotional bond with her family and her role as mother to both Penelope and Lily make her reaction to Verstappen’s future plans all the more understandable. Still, the vague nature of the reporting raises questions. Without an official statement from Verstappen or Piquet, it remains unclear whether the retirement hint is an actual announcement or an exaggeration of an emotional moment.

The Formula 1 community is divided over what this means for Verstappen’s legacy. With 63 wins and unparalleled dominance since 2021, he has little left to prove. Still, fans are hoping for more records, such as breaking Lewis Hamilton’s seven world titles. An early retirement would jeopardize these ambitions, but it would also suit Verstappen’s independent nature. In an interview with GPFans in December 2024, he stressed that he “doesn’t race to break records, but to enjoy it.” His recent fatherhood and the stability Piquet offers him seem to reinforce this philosophy.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing has remained silent on the rumors. According to GP33 , team boss Christian Horner spoke about the upcoming Formula 1 rule changes on May 14, 2025, but avoided questions about Verstappen’s future. This silence has fueled speculation as fans and analysts wait for clarity. For Piquet, who is often present at races and celebrates Verstappen’s successes, such as his emotional victory in Brazil in 2024, the personal side of this saga is palpable.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, with the first days of testing in February, Verstappen’s future remains a hot topic. Whether Piquet’s tears were a definitive hint towards his departure or just an emotional moment, the Formula 1 world is hanging on her every word. For now, Verstappen remains focused on defending his title, but the question remains: how long will the king of Formula 1 continue to race?