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    ‘Cheer up Max’ – Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event

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    JACK WHITEHALL endured an awkward moment with Max Verstappen at Formula 1’s London launch event.Verstappen and his fellow Formula One drivers were all in attendance at the O2 Arena to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary as teams revealed their car liveries ahead of the new season.Max Verstappen had an awkward reaction to a joke about his argument with George Russell last yearCredit: XVerstappen accused Russell of being two-faced after he had been branded a ‘bully’ by the BritCredit: GettyAnd the reigning world champion was picked on by comedian-turned-presenter Whitehall over his argument with Mercedes driver George Russell towards the end of last season.As Whitehall walked pasta grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to a smiling Russell.READ MORE IN F1The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.But the argument boiled over at the season finale in Abu Dhabi as the 27-year-old branded the four-time world champ a “bully” — while Verstappen hit back by labelling Russell a “backstabber” and “loser”.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest. That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it. But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.Watch moment Jack Whitehall shocks with joke about sex life with Roxy Horner at F1 event“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Meanwhile, Verstappen was less fiery on the subject, admitting he will put the issue to one side by saying: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Instead, Verstappen aimed his ire towards the FIA following their controversial introduction of harsher rules on drivers swearing during media duties.Drivers can be hit with a €10,000 (£8,300) fine for a first offence, escalating to a fine of €30,000 (£25,900) plus a one-month suspension and a deduction of World Championship points for a third offence.Asked about it last night, Verstappen went full Jose Mourinho as he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”But in a roundtable discussion later on, he said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of F1 cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first such case under these rules happened last weekend when World Rally Car driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 (£8,300) for using inappropriate language during a live post-stage interview.This included an additional suspended fine of €20,000 (£16,600). More

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      ‘Worse than showed on TV’ – Christian Horner brutally BOOED at F1 launch event in London a year on from sext scandal

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER was brutally booed at the F1 75 launch event at the O2 Arena in London.Fans filled the arena to watch all ten Formula One teams reveal car liveries and driver racesuits for the upcoming season.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was booed by the O2 Arena crowd at the F1 75 launch eventCredit: GettyIt came a year on from when he was embroiled in a sexting scandalCredit: SplashThe event saw a number of speeches from team principals as they looked to the season ahead.But when Red Bull boss Horner took to the stage he was greeted by a chorus of boos.Horner, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Horner, is a divisive figure among F1 fans due to his controversial way of handling team issues both internally and with rivals.The 51-year-old has previously been dubbed a “Karen” due to his incessant complaining against other teams when Red Bull have not been dominant.READ MORE IN F1Meanwhile, his handling of Sergio Perez last year did not win anyone over to his side either.Clips of the crowd reaction were shared on social media, with one fan remarking: “Oh my god the booing for Christian Horner was even worse than they showed on TV.”A second viewer said: “He’s genuinely disliked.”A third said: “Not loud enough.”Most read in MotorsportAnother said: “Love this.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast year, Horner was involved in a stunning power struggle at Red Bull after he was embroiled in a sexting scandal in which an employee accused him of making suggestive remarks.The former member of staff launched an appeal after a judge cleared Horner of wrongdoing in March – with the appeal also being thrown out.Gordon Ramsay has his mic muted after making X-rated outburst at F1 75 Live launch event In a statement last August, his team said: “The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. “All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld.”The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.” More

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      We won’t go back to being best mates’ – George Russell no longer speaking to Max Verstappen after F1 feud

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has “no intention” of burying the hatchet with Max Verstappen following their explosive row last season.The pair went to war in last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, with the British 27-year-old claiming Verstappen threatened to put his “f***ing head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix.George Russell says he didn’t speak to Max Verstappen over the winterCredit: AlamyRussell and Verstappen fell out after clashing at the Qatar GPCredit: GettyFour-time world champ Verstappen was branded a “bully” by Russell — with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling the Brit a “backstabber” and “loser” after he won the race, with his Mercedes rival trailing in fourth.Russell — speaking at Tuesday night’s  F1 75 event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary at London’s O2 Arena — said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest.“That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.READ MORE IN F1“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Most read in MotorsportThe situation between the pair is set to remain frostyCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Verstappen admitted he will put the issue to one side. He said: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Meanwhile, the Dutchman laid into the FIA for their new extreme swearing rules for the upcoming campaign, urging them to focus on more important issues.F1 star Ollie Bearman gets suited up ready for the 2025 season driving for Haas F1 Team Fines will range from  £34,000 to £152k, while Championship points can be docked and race bans  handed out for repeat offenders.In Singapore last year,  Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to complete community work after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.The 27-year-old said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of Formula One cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”Lando Norris revealed he expects McLaren to bounce backCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, British McLaren driver Lando Norris says his team have “no excuses” if they are not  competing at the front of the grid right from the off this season.McLaren won their first constructors’ championship since 1998 last year but Norris was runner-up to  Verstappen, 63 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.Red Bull had dominated the first five races which ultimately  left Norris with a mountain to climb.With the countdown to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 underway, he said: “After last year  we have no excuses, I guess.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past we’ve had our fair share but honest and true excuses.“This year we  don’t  have any, we have nothing to hide behind.“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything  it takes to fight at the top and be  the best.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton arrives in style on red carpet at glamorous F1 02 car launch as he prepares for new season with Ferrari

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      LEWIS HAMILTON hit the red carpet in style at Formula One’s 75th anniversary event.All ten teams and 20 drivers descended on London’s O2 Arena tonight for a glamorous ceremony.Lewis Hamilton looked dapper alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic VasseurCredit: GettyHamilton wore a red tie in a nod to his new team FerrariCredit: AFPThe Ferrari team arrived in a luxury Ferrari PurosangueCredit: GettyDespite leaving Mercedes, Hamilton was all smiles with Toto Wolff and George RussellCredit: GettyRed Bull chief Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell were dressed to impressCredit: AFPPresenter Naomi Schiff looked glamorous in a dressCredit: ReutersHamilton, who has signed a £100million two-year deal with Ferrari, arrived in stunning fashion.The seven-time world champion, new team-mate Charles Leclerc and principal Frederic Vasseur pulled up to the red carpet in a Ferrari Purosangue car worth around £313,000.Hamilton was dressed to impress, wearing a stylish black coat, a red tie in a nod to his new team and cool sunglasses.Despite switching Mercedes for Ferrari, Hamilton was seen having a friendly conversation with Toto Wolff and George Russell.READ MORE IN F1The new Mercedes line-up featuring Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and reserve driver Valteri Bottas posed together.Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso all arrived in supercars and looked dapper in suits.Away from the drivers, Red Bull chief Christian Horner and Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell also caught the eye.Motorsport presenter Naomi Schiff stunned in a low-cut dress.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSchiff posed with singer Sam RyderCredit: GettyThe Ramsay family were also at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyThe event was hosted by comic Jack WhitehallCredit: APHorner and his Spice Girl wife were seen alongside Whitehall on the red carpetCredit: GettyMax Verstappen arrived with new team-mate Liam LawsonCredit: GettyFormer drivers Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell were having a great nightCredit: EPAOther celebs like Gordon Ramsay, his wife Tara and daughter Holly, reality star Maura Higgins, rapper Giggs, singer Sam Ryder and Olympian Dina Asher-Smith were all in attendance.The F1 75 event saw all teams unveil their liveries ahead of the 2025 season that begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall and there were performances from Take That, Kane Brown, MGK and Brian Tyler.Maura Higgins wore a bold outfit at the eventCredit: RexLando Norris pulled up in an eye-catching McLarenCredit: GettyFernando Alonso is set for another season with Aston MartinCredit: AFPSprinter Dina Asher-Smith stunned in a colourful dressCredit: GettyGiggs looked stylish in a luxury suitCredit: AFPTeam Haas of Esteban Ocon, Ayao Komatsu and Oliver Bearman attended in a Rolls-RoyceCredit: Getty More

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      F1 stars’ dizzying 2025 salaries revealed with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton earning nearly DOUBLE nearest rival

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lewis Hamilton top the list of Formula One’s highest earners – as they prepare for another Championship battle. Seven-time world champion Hamilton is preparing to make his Ferrari debut after a shock switch from Mercedes.Max Verstappen remains F1’s top dog – both on the track and earningsCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton has made the switch to Ferrari for the upcoming seasonCredit: SplashIt leaves George Russell as Mercedes’ top driver – and he has the salary to prove itCredit: GettyHamilton will be behind the wheel for the first time at the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.And it sees him earning a staggering £48million ($60m) as he targets an eighth world crown.Reigning champion Verstappen will pocket the most cash in 2025 – just as he did last year. READ MORE ON F1The Dutchman is given £52m-a-year ($65m) by Red Bull, with his current deal running for a further three seasons.In sharp contrast, Verstappen’s new teammate Liam Lawson, 23, will pocket just £800,000 ($1m)Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc bags £27m ($34m), over £20m less than new team-mate Hamilton.While George Russell, now the top dog at Mercedes, will earn a cool £12m ($15m).Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLando Norris had a season to remember in 2024 with four wins and a second-placed overall finish. His lucrative deal with McLaren runs until next year – and he currently bags £16m ($20m) in annual salary.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia At the other end of the spectrum, both Jack Doohan of Alpine and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar will take home £700,000 ($850k) this year.And Lance Stroll’s open contract with Aston Martin sees the 26-year-old earn £2.3m ($3m) each season.Verstappen’s dominance of the sport in recent years has seen him win four consecutive titles. He won nine races last year – the least of any of the last four seasons. Verstappen admitted: “Last year has been challenging at times.”Of course, we had a lot of good moments, of course, also some tough moments.”I hope that we can be, let’s say, a little bit more stable and a little bit more all-round throughout the season.”Ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone recently gave his opinion on whether Hamilton could challenge Verstappen in his Ferrari.And the 94-year-old pulled no punches with his response.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “Hamilton won’t last [two years].F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon”Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing.”I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Verstappen and Hamilton will join the rest of the F1 drivers for a special event on February 18. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams are coming together to unveil their new liveries.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2025 F1 1 season begins with a double-header, starting with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.Just a week later, Shanghai will host the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23. More

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      I helped build F1 car driver tragically died in – I wasn’t prepared for that and it broke me, says Drive to Survive star

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      F1 ENGINEER Calum Nicholas says he was left “broken” by the death of Jules Bianchi after his Japanese Grand Prix crash.The Red Bull engineer worked with the French F1 driver at Marussia as a mechanic back in 2011 – his first job in the paddock. Calum Nicholas has helped Max Verstappen win the last four drivers’ championships at Red BullCredit: GettyNicholas worked at Marussia with Jules Bianchi at the time of his Japanese Grand Prix crash in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationDuring the 2014 Japanese GP, Bianchi lost control of his Marussia and clashed with a recovery vehicle.The weather conditions in Japan at the time were treacherous and delayed the race from getting underway.Following the collision, Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury which is caused by severe damage to the head.Bianchi spent nine months in a coma before tragically passing away in 2015.READ MORE F1He was the first F1 driver to die from injuries that occurred during a Grand Prix since Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna.Safety in the sport has come on leaps and bounds since then, with the introduction of the halo and clearer communication when a recovery vehicle is used. That hasn’t helped Nicholas shake Bianchi’s death from his memory though.Nicholas collected the wreckage of the car from the FIA garage and broke down in tears.Most read in MotorsportIn his book, Life in the Pitlane, he writes: “I was not in any way prepared, at the age of 24, to have been responsible for building a car that somebody later died in.“Regardless of the cause of the crash not being a mechanical fault, the guilt of having been one of the mechanics responsible for that car broke me for a little while.”’I’m not myself, please forgive me’ – Shaken F1 legend Eddie Jordan, 76, apologises live on radio after cancer treatmentSince leaving Marussia at the end of that season Nicholas has become a familiar face on Netflix’s hit show Drive to Survive as a key engineer in Max Verstappen’s pit crew.As part of the Red Bull driver’s team, Nicholas has helped propel Verstappen to four straight F1 world titles.The Brit has also worked with Lewis Hamilton on the Hamilton Comission, a research project into diversity in motorsport conducted by the seven-time world champion. Nicholas was a part of the Marussia team when Bianchi crashedCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Beginning of the end’ – Ex-F1 star convinced Max Verstappen’s Red Bull destined to fail with ongoing Horner feud

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      GERHARD BERGER believes Red Bull are destined to fail if Christian Horner and Helmut Marko continue feuding. The duo have locked horns on numerous occasions throughout the past two seasons, with Horner even reportedly wanting Marko out in 2023. Christian Horner has been under pressure over the last yearRed Bull advisor Helmut Marko has locked horns with Horner over team choicesThe feud could affect Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth straight titleThis continued into last year with the pair clashing over Red Bull’s driver line up for the upcoming season. Marko, who is a senior adviser at Red Bull and head of the driver development programme, is said to have preferred Liam Lawson while Horner was keen on Franco Colapinto after he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams. Berger, who was the first F1 driver to be sponsored by Red Bull and later co-owned Toro Rosso, said: “It is often the beginning of the end when such topics dominate.”Formula 1 is so complex and so competitive that you can only be successful if everyone in the team puts their shoulders to the wheel, if everyone agrees and communicates well with each other.”READ MORE F1 NEWS”The Red Bull brand always exudes happiness and a cool image. Suddenly everything changed. “Completely atypical for the team, there were no more clear statements.”Marko also stuck the knife in when saying that Max’s dad Jos was a “bigger fan” of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff than Horner last term.The father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen publicly called for Horner to leave the team last season after he had been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHorner was cleared by a Red Bull investigation, but Wolff publicly tried to sign the reigning world champion amid the unrest. Berger has also slammed Red Bull’s handling of Sergio Perez’s exit after the Mexican driver’s chaotic season. Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision Gerhard Berger has a history with Red Bull RacingPerez suffered a disastrous fourth and final season with Red Bull last year as he finished on 152 points to his team-mate Verstappen’s 437, which put a massive dent in Red Bull Constructors’ Championship hopes. When asked about the situation with Perez, Berger added: “You could see that things were no longer working well. “Nobody in this business understood that he was given another contract then. “There could have been reasons like marketing or the contract situation.”But when things did not improve after that, they gave him three more races and then two more, and refused to take a decision. “I couldn’t see a clear line there. In Mateschitz’s time, Red Bull was always known for its clarity.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘Something he’s longed to do’ – Fans convinced Max Verstappen will QUIT F1 after huge update from iconic motorsport team

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      FANS are convinced Max Verstappen will make a stunning career switch after an iconic motorsport team announced a major update.On Friday morning it was revealed Ford would be returning to the field in the World Endurance Championship.Ford have announced they are returning to Endurance racing with the aim of winning Le Mans in 2027Credit: ReutersFans are convinced the move could see Max Verstappen switch motorsport disciplinesCredit: GettyVerstappen has admitted he wants to try other racing disciplinesCredit: GettyThe statement revealed Ford would be joining the Hyperclass type of cars in 2027.Ford have already revealed they will begin their new technical partnership with Red Bull in 2026, when they will develop a next-gen Formula One power unit for Red Bull Racing and sister team VCARB.Ford’s return to F1 followed a 20-year hiatus, while Ford’s latest move into Endurance Racing will see them compete in races such as Le Mans for the first time in 60 years.The company dominated Le Mans in the late 1960s in a fierce rivalry with Ferrari, who have won the last two events and are the third-most successful team overall behind Porsche and Audi.READ MORE IN F1Fans are convinced this move will ultimately facilitate an incredible change of career for four-time F1 world champion Verstappen.Speculating on social media, one fan said: “I wonder if this move of Ford’s to return to #WEC will be Red Bull-backed and that gives Max Verstappen an exit strategy which keeps affiliated with both brands whilst also doing something he’s longed to do?”If they can’t have him in #F1, at least have him in endurance.”A second said: “Red Bull will have a Ford partnership in 2027. Just saying, Max Verstappen is out there.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third added: “Hoooo boy. Imagine if Ford got Verstappen to drive for them (Ford and RB engine connect) and [Lewis] Hamilton drives for Ferrari WEC program.”It would be a real fever dream for fans to see the two most successful F1 drivers of the last decade facing off once again on the back of one of motorsport’s most well-known rivalries in one of its most famous races.Max Verstappen buys £12million super yacht called ‘Unleash the Lion’ that’s 108-foot long and boasts own beach club Verstappen has openly flirted with the prospect of switching motorsport disciplines, suggesting he was eager to race at the Daytona International Speedway one day.Speaking last November, he said: “I know that I want to do it in the future anyway, but it’s just about finding the time.”With such a busy F1 schedule, it’s almost impossible because we finish so late in the season and then to properly prepare where you have to run Daytona or whatever, is pretty impossible.”I know that when I want to do it, I want to go there and try to win it, be really competitive. “The only way to do so is by doing some proper testing and get really well prepared, which is not possible at the moment.”But, who knows? Maybe in a few years’ time. I’ll still be young-ish and I’ll be able to drive the cars.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconVerstappen has raced in the virtual series of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and revealed he had been contacted by “certain people” about racing in it in real life as well.He said: “Of course, you get contacted by certain people, but it has to come at the right time and in the right way.”I don’t want to rush into a decision either. With those new cars, I think it will take at least another one or two years before it’s all better understood because at the end of the day, it is still a Balance of Performance story and that makes it difficult.”The last driver to compete in both Le Mans and F1 in the same season was Nico Hulkenberg in 2015.In 2023 Verstappen also courted the idea of moving over to motorbikes, saying: “I will race longer, but not in Grand Prix races.”It would be nice to do it like Valentino Rossi, I like to see his races in GT, a category I have an interest in because we have our own car entered.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He did everything he could in MotoGP, with a crazy career, and now he’s having fun, while still working hard and wanting to win again. I think I will look for something similar in the future.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Max Verstappen buys £12million super yacht called ‘Unleash the Lion’ that’s 108-foot long and boasts own beach club

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is making waves after splashing £12MILLION on a new super yacht.The four-time Formula One world champion has flexed his financial muscles by splashing out on the incredible boat.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have taken ownership of a new super yachtCredit: RexThe couple were seen in Italy’s Overmarine shipyardCredit: https://x.com/BRredbullracingThere they took ownership of the vesselCredit: https://x.com/BRredbullracingThe cost for it is estimated to be around £12mCredit: https://x.com/BRredbullracingIt is a Mangusta Gransport 33Credit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsAnd it has suitably been named ‘Unleash the Lion’Credit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsVerstappen and partner Kelly Piquet were seen at the Overmarine shipyard in Italy to check out their extravagant new purchase.And there the Dutchman was seen with his 33-metre Mangusta GranSport 33, suitably named: “Unleash the Lion” for the first time.The showstopper yacht was commissioned two years ago and is big enough to host TWELVE guests.According to reports, the marine behemoth has five staterooms and three cabins for crew members.READ MORE IN F1On top, there are multiple lounging areas and a spacious sundeck while also having a BEACH CLUB at its stern for easy access to water.Monaco harbour will be the perfect home for the yacht given it is close to where Verstappen lives and the stunning weather there.The yacht is the latest purchase of Verstappen’s super toy range.He previously splashed out on a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, his car collection is conservatively estimated to be worth around £4.9m ($6m), including a private collection of James Bond cars.Verstappen isn’t the only F1 driver to have splashed the cash on a new yacht, with Fernando Alonso doing the same with a 60 Sunreef Power Eco yacht early last year.Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet steal the show as they join Christian Horner and Max Verstappen at plush FIA AwardsIt features a spacious interior with a sundeck and lounging areas on the exteriorCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsIt can accommodate up to 12 guestsCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsIt also has a beach club at the sternCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsThere are fears it could be an indicator of retirement before longCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@MangustaYachtsHowever, former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan believes buying a yacht is an indicator of retirement.He told the Formula For Success podcast: “I just feel now he [Alonso] is probably calculating.“He’s bought a new boat, that’s often an indication to me because I know you [David Coulthard] bought a boat at the time and then retired gracefully after that, and I did the same.“People have a habit of buying boats and retiring. So let’s see what happens.”Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull last year amid the power struggle between Christian Horner and dad Jos.His contract with the Racing Bulls runs to 2028, but Aston Martin were forced to deny reports last week that Verstappen was set to join them in a deal worth £1billion.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More