In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Kelly Piquet, partner of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, has opened up about the timeline of the Dutch driver’s potential retirement from the sport — and fans are finding it hard to believe.
Amid growing speculation over Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, despite his contract running until 2028, Kelly Piquet has given the clearest insight yet into her partner’s mindset and long-term plans in the sport.
Speaking in a recent interview with Dutch media, Piquet shared, “Max has always been incredibly focused and determined, but he’s also very aware of his limits and what he wants from life. He’s been in Formula 1 since he was a teenager, and he’s achieved more than most drivers could dream of. I think people would be surprised to know that he’s seriously thinking about stepping away sooner than expected.”
She added, “We’ve had long conversations about the future, and Max is very honest — if he feels the fun or the competitiveness is gone, he won’t hesitate to walk away. Right now, 2026 seems like a natural pause point for him. With the new regulations coming in and all the changes in the team, that year is really in his mind as a time to stop, or at least take a break.”
This revelation comes after 1996 world champion Damon Hill recently advised Verstappen to consider a sabbatical in 2026, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s new power unit partnership with Ford starting that same year.
With Red Bull struggling to match McLaren’s performance this season — already trailing them by 141 points in the Constructors’ standings after just six races — Verstappen’s dominance appears under threat. A lack of competitiveness, combined with upcoming regulation changes, may well drive the 3-time world champion to re-evaluate his priorities.
“He doesn’t need to prove anything anymore,” Piquet continued. “Max wants to enjoy life beyond racing too. Whether that means retiring at 28 or coming back later, it’s all on his terms.”
If Verstappen indeed steps away from the sport in 2026, either temporarily or permanently, it would mark one of the earliest retirements for a driver of his caliber in modern F1 history — and fans are already bracing themselves for what could be a seismic shift in the sport.