3 weeks ago
22
Max Verstappen showed off his hoverboarding skills as his luxury yacht passed along the coast of Sardinia.
The Formula One champion, 28, was joined by his long-term love, Kelly Piquet, 37, who looked incredible in a white triangle bikini.
The couple, who started dating in 2020, after meeting for the first time four years earlier, are making the most of their time off before the season resumes in August.
Max teamed red and blue patterned shorts with a lifejacket and helmet as he zipped effortlessly through the water, while Kelly stayed dry onboard.
Last month, it was reported that Max and McLaren have opened preliminary talks with a view to partnering the Dutchman and Lando Norris in a dream team of world champions.
It is understood that in this scenario Norris's existing partner Oscar Piastri would swap places with the Dutchman if the hush-hush negotiations ended in a successful resolution, possibly as early as next year.
Max Verstappen showed off his hoverboarding skills as his luxury yacht passed through the coast of Sardinia
The Formula One champion was joined by his long-term love, Kelly Piquet, 37, who looked incredible in a white triangle bikini
Max has been considering his future for some time, with Red Bull's form having dropped off since their title-winning exploits between 2021 and 2024.
The four-time world champion has traditionally been in no rush to sever his ties with the Austria-owned organisation that has nurtured his talent, placing loyalty high in his thoughts.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has not publicly courted Verstappen, though the American sounded him out a couple of years ago, only to be assured the services of Formula One's most sought-after driver were unavailable.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but certain release clauses allow him to move earlier should he wish to activate them.
The Dutch driver declined several opportunities to confirm he would still be with the team next season while speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix last month.
Asked if he had an update on his future, Verstappen replied: 'No.'
When pressed further about the speculation, he answered: 'Nothing'.
He was then asked if he remained fully committed to Red Bull for 2027.
The couple, who started dating in 2020, after meeting for the first time four years earlier, are making the most of their time off before the season resumes in August
Max teamed red and blue patterned shorts with a lifejacket and helmet as he zipped effortlessly through the water, while Kelly stayed dry onboard
Kelly made the most of her time away with Max as she relaxed on a yacht in her string bikini
The Brazilian model enjoyed some well-deserved downtime with her partner
Kelly has proudly supported Max at many of his Formula One races this year, with the season set to resume next mont
Last month, it was reported that Max and McLaren have opened preliminary talks with a view to partnering the Dutchman and Lando Norris in a dream team of world champions
It is understood that in this scenario Norris's existing partner Oscar Piastri would swap places with the Dutchman if the hush-hush negotiations ended in a successful resolution
Max has been considering his future for some time, with Red Bull's form having dropped off since their title-winning exploits between 2021 and 2024
The four-time world champion has traditionally been in no rush to sever his ties with the Austria-owned organisation that have nurtured his talent, placing loyalty high in his thoughts
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but certain release clauses allow him to move earlier should he wish to activate them
The Dutch driver declined several opportunities to confirm he would still be with the team next season while speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix last month
Asked if he had an update on his future, Verstappen replied: 'No'
'I said there is nothing to say,' Verstappen responded.
Later, the reigning world champion again refused to be drawn into the rumours.
'I don't want to go here, and say yes or no and this or that about my future,' Verstappen said.
'I have said many times about my future that if there is something new [to say], I will say it myself.'
Instead, Verstappen said his attention remained on helping Red Bull recover from a difficult start to Formula One's new regulations.
'No, I'm just busy trying to make sure we take the right steps here,' he said.
'Outside of that, I had my sister's wedding as well, so everything will come naturally. That's always been the case.'
Verstappen has toyed with the idea of quitting Formula One, a consideration that gained impetus as he railed against the controversial move to the half-electric engines – an unsatisfactory combination he believes has reduced racing to the status of a Mario Kart computer game.
He lies sixth in the drivers' standings, 110 points behind Mercedes' leader Kimi Antonelli.
It is understood McLaren believe they stand a chance of luring their man, whose annual pay at Red Bull is some £80million.
'It is an idea McLaren are keen on,' confirmed one source. 'If it comes off it may be in 2028, but it could even be earlier.'
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