Max Verstappen has officially responded to growing speculation that he may retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2025 season, following comments from former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas and a curious slip of the tongue from his partner, Kelly Piquet, suggesting wedding bells may soon be ringing.
Nicholas, now an ambassador for Red Bull Racing, recently claimed Verstappen could bow out of the sport after potentially securing his fifth consecutive world title this year.
“If I’m honest, I still have goals in F1,” Verstappen told reporters ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. “People can speculate, but I’m not making any decisions right now. I’m fully focused on this season and helping Red Bull stay at the top. That’s where my head is at.”
But while Verstappen dismissed immediate retirement talk, it was his partner Kelly Piquet who fueled intrigue about the couple’s future beyond racing. During her first public appearance since giving 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to their daughter Lily, the Brazilian model accidentally hinted at a possible marriage.
“I breathe motorsport. That is something very natural for me. Eventually I married a Formula 1 driver,” Piquet said during a talk at the iConference, before quickly correcting herself. “I mean, I’m not married yet!”
The moment drew smiles and surprise, especially given that the couple—who began dating in 2021—have largely kept plans for the future under wraps.
With Verstappen facing increasing pressure on and off the track, and with his FIA penalty points total just one short of a race ban, his mindset and long-term intentions are being closely watched.
Still, the reigning world champion seems determined to keep his foot firmly on the throttle—for now.
“There’s still a lot to achieve. I enjoy racing, and as long as I’m motivated and the team is strong, I’ll be here,” Verstappen concluded. “But I do know life has other chapters. And when that time comes, I’ll know.”
Whether that next chapter involves a wedding—or an early retirement—remains to be seen, but both Verstappen and Piquet have made it clear: major life changes could be on the horizon.