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      Max Verstappen in last-ditch dash to Miami GP with girlfriend Kelly Piquet set to give birth to baby any day

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is making a last-minute dash to the Miami Grand Prix after skipping media duties with girlfriend Kelly Piquet expecting a baby any day. Verstappen, 27, announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his first child.Max Verstappen delayed his flight to the Miami Grand Prix to be with his pregnant girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: GettyPiquet is set to give birth any day – with a due date on May 6Credit: GettyBrazilian model Piquet, 36, is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.The due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco. As reported by Motorsport.com, his private jet was spotted leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning. READ MORE ON F1It means he did not arrive in time to fulfil his media duties on Thursday. But Red Bull insist that the Dutch driver is expected at the circuit in Florida on Friday.A statement from the team said: “Please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.“All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”Practice 1 takes place on Friday lunchtime Miami time – six hours behind the time zone in Monaco – with sprint qualifying later in the afternoon.Max Verstappen’s glam Wag Kelly Piquet risks wardrobe malfunction braless in open jacket as fans say ‘girl, you slay’There is then the sprint race at 12pm on Saturday plus qualifying for the Grand Prix at 4pm.Lights out on race day is 24 hours later at 4pm on Sunday.And it is understood Verstappen is hoping to line up on the grid where he will try and cut the gap on Oscar Piastri. The Australian sits top of the drivers’ standings on 99 points, ten clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris – with Verstappen third on 87. Despite becoming a dad, the four-time reigning world champ is not set to miss a race, with a brief window before Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.Despite Verstappen looking on course to continue racing for now, it is thought he may decide to take next year off from the sport. Read More on The SunRed Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last month by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great” and an unnamed F1 driver said he believes Verstappen most likely route is a season on the sidelines. Verstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 – four years after meeting at a dinner – after her relationship with Kvyat. Verstappen is set to race in Miami this weekend despite the upcoming arrivalCredit: RexThe couple announced there were expecting last DecemberCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Verstappen will become a dad for the first timeCredit: GettyKelly has a daughter from a previous relationship with Daniil KvyatCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/?hl=en More

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      Red Bull ‘hold informal talks’ with George Russell to replace Max Verstappen in 2026

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      RED BULL have held informal talks with George Russell over a shock move, according to reports.There could be several changes in the paddock at the end of this year.Red Bull have reportedly held informal talks with George RussellCredit: RexMax Verstappen’s future is unclearCredit: RexRussell, 27, was promoted to Mercedes’ main driver this year following Sir Lewis Hamilton’s departure.He joined the team three years ago and is out of contract at the end of the year.So far there has been little activity from Mercedes with regard to extending his deal.Red Bull chief Christian Horner has looked to capitalise on that ambiguity and has held informal talks with the driver, report The Race.READ MORE IN F1It is possible Horner is lining up Russell as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen.The four-time world champion also faces an uncertain future despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.That is because he has an exit clause in his contract which could be activated later this year.Reports have linked Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, while Aston Martin and McLaren are also interested in the Dutchman.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMercedes team principal Toto Wolff is known to be a big fan of Verstappen, but Horner has played down speculation he could leave.He said: “I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there’s been a lot of noise outside of the team.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we’re focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he’s a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay.” More

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      Raging Christian Horner told brings picture evidence against ‘very harsh’ Max Verstappen F1 penalty at Saudi Arabia GP

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER presented fresh evidence disputing the “very harsh” penalty given to Max Verstappen at the Formula One Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.Verstappen finished the race in second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, but was only overtaken after being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Raging Christian Horner showed a printed picture to media claiming Max Verstappen was wrong to be punished by race stewardsCredit: RexVerstappen was handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantageCredit: GettyHe came second to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexThe incident occurred off of the race start at Turn 1 as Piastri made it to the first corner apex quicker than Verstappen.The Red Bull star then abandoned his attempt at making the second turn in the chicane, instead driving over the track limits to not lose any time.Piastri, 24, was over the team radio asserting he was ahead at the corner and that Verstappen needed to give the position back, while the Dutchman said he had been left with nowhere to go.Verstappen, 27, was then handed a penalty by race stewards which he responded to by saying “f***ing lovely” down the team radio, before serving it during his mandatory pit stop.READ MORE IN F1That advantage ended up being the difference as Piastri won his third race win of the season, making him the first Australian to lead the World Drivers Championship since Mark Webber in 2010.But in the media room after the race, fuming Red Bull team principal Christian Horner went around waving a picture of the Turn 1 incident as supposed evidence that the penalty was wrong.F1 reporter Chris Medland said a rival team principal not from McLaren told Horner: “Let it go, he was never making that corner.”Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Horner said: “We have that discussion before the race with the directors. We have the notion of let them race but I’m not sure where Max is supposed to go.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFuming Verstappen stormed out of his post-race interview with David Coulthard and was quiet in the cooldown room before the podium.He later went full Jose Mourinho as he raged on the penalty: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull future”The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth. For me it’s better. “I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time. We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.”On whether he would appeal the decision, the four-time world champion said it was “not in my interest” and was only looking to go home.After the race the FIA released a statement explaining their decision, revealing Verstappen had actually escaped a punishment of double the severity.It said: “Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex. Based on the Driver’s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81’s corner and hewas entitled to be given room.”Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back. He stayed in front of Car 81 and sought to build on the advantage.”Ordinarily, the baseline penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds.”However, given that this was lap one and turn one incident, we considered that to be a mitigating circumstance and imposed a 5 second time penalty instead.”Read More on The SunSaudi Arabia brought a close to the first triple-header of the F1 season, with a week break now before the Miami Grand Prix on May 4.Piastri leads the World Drivers Championship ahead of team-mate Lando Norris, who recovered from a crash in qualifying to finish fourth, by 10 points and Verstappen by 12 points.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      ‘People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN feels the FIA is gagging him as the four-time world champion says “people cannot handle the truth”.The Dutch Red Bull driver was left frustrated after being slapped with a five-second penalty for illegally going off the track in a battle with Oscar Piastri on the first lap.Max VErstappen hit out at his penalty during the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe also confronted FIA President Mohammed ben SulayemCredit: GettyThis cost Verstappen, who finished in second, and he slammed the punishment as “f***ing lovely” on his team radio and walked off after a blunt post-race interview.When asked about the penalty he said: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.“The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth.“For me it’s better. I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time.READ MORE ON F1“We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming.“Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.When asked if his anger was directed at the FIA’s swearing rules, he said: “I know I cannot swear in here but at the same time you can also not be critical.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Or any kind of form that might harm or danger, let me get the sheet out…“There’s a lot of lines, that’s why it’s better not to talk about it or you can get yourself in trouble and I don’t think anyone wants that.”Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureOscar Piastri won the Saudi GPCredit: GettyVerstappen suggested that he could be hit with a fine if he were to speak out of line.And he wouldn’t have been the first driver to have to pay up for an unusual reason.Carlos Sainz was hit with a £17,000 bill for breaching pre-race procedure despite suffering a medical issue at the Japanese Grand Prix.The punishment came after he was seconds late to the national anthem due to an upset stomach.He has then risked a £34,500 fine for his X-rated outburst following the original sanction.McLaren’s Piastri powered home to win the Saudi GP and go top of the Drivers’ Championship.After claiming victory, Piastri said: “I’m looking for a couch, it was a pretty tough race.”I’m very happy to have obviously won, I made the difference at the start and made my case into Turn One, and that was enough.”It was really tricky to follow out there, I couldn’t really stay with Max Verstappen at the end of the first stint and I just chewed up my tyres.”The clean air was nice after the pit stop, it was a clean race and we did the parts we needed to right.”We still needed a bit more, Max [Verstappen] was a bit too close for our liking but a great race and a great weekend.”There is now a two-week break before the next F1 race.Read More on The SunRace six will come on May 4 in Miami as the first of three races in the United States this season.It is also the second Sprint Race of the season, following on from China.Drivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season…P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10 More

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      Max Verstappen could take YEAR-LONG break to look after new baby with glam Wag Kelly Piquet, claims F1 superstar

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could take a year out from Formula 1 to look after his new baby, which is due on May 6.The reigning world champion announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.Kelly Piquet is expecting a baby with Max Verstappen next monthCredit: GettyVerstappen is in practice for Sunday’s Saudi GPCredit: APThe Dutch driver is not set to miss a race given the due date of the baby is after the Miami Grand Prix, giving him a brief window before racing in Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.Verstappen’s future for next year, though, has been a constant point of speculation and Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last weekend by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great”.Meanwhile an unnamed F1 driver said he believes that Verstappen’s most likely route will be taking a year off.Next year feels like a lottery with which drivers and teams will be on top anyway, with drastic changes made for the 2026 regulations.READ MORE IN SPORTMercedes and Aston Martin have been touted as a possible destination for Verstappen.But Williams team boss James Vowles does not reckon the Dutchman would be a good fit for his former team Mercedes.Vowles joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023 after spending more than two decades as an engineer at the team.He also said Toto Wolff would be better off keeping his current driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Most read in MotorsportThe couple shared the pregnancy news on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVowles said: “Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max.”I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. [Verstappen’s performance in] Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping. Well done to him.Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max Verstappen”But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.“What Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that’s on the way up.So I personally don’t think that’s the place for him.”Vowles also said a link up between Russell and Verstappen would not work.He is not here to try to be remembered forever. He wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants.Lando NorrisThe two were locked in a furious row at the end of last season with Russell calling Verstappen a “bully” and the Dutch driver labelling the Brit a “loser.”When Vowles was asked if a line-up involving the two would work, he said: “I don’t think so.”I think they’re two very different characters.”Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but there is an exit clause in his deal.He is currently third in the driver’s standings, five points behind Oscar Piastri and three below Lando Norris in first.Glam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 driversCredit: RexVerstappen has already had a taste of life as a father figure given he is a step-dad to Piquet’s daughter Penelope.When Norris was asked about his pal Verstappen taking a year out, he said: “I don’t know with Max, he is different to most I would say.“Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best then go home, that’s his attitude, which I respect and like.Read More on The Sun“You never know, he has said many times he wants to go do other racing in other categories and Max wants to enjoy his life.“He is not here to try to be remembered forever and all those things, he wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants, I respect him.”THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      Red Bull in fresh disaster as Verstappen’s new team-mate Yuki Tsunoda smashes into wall with Saudi GP session suspended

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      RED BULL suffered another disaster as Yuki Tsunoda smashed into the wall in practice, causing huge damage to the car.The red flag came out with five minutes to go as the Japanese driver clobbered into the wall on the exit of the final turn in Jeddah.Yuki Tsunoda smashed into a wall at the Saudi GPCredit: Sky Sports F1The new Red Bull driver walked away unhurt but there was considerable damage to the carCredit: Sky Sports F1Red Bull mechanics watched on in horror as the 24-year-old clipped the wall on the final cornerCredit: Sky Sports F1Tsunoda was unharmed in the incident but the car was looking worse for wear with debris flying all over the track.The 24-year-old managed seventh fastest before his smash, with McLaren’s Lando Norris recording the best time of P2.Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s team-mate just two drives into the season.Lawson, 23, was dumped by Red Bull chiefs after failing to get to grips with the RB21 during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.READ MORE ON F1Tsunoda looked to be getting to grips with the car after finishing in the top 10 in Bahrain.But his latest smash comes after he claimed he could “beat” four-time world champion Verstappen.In the build-up to practice in Saudi Arabia, Tsunoda told RacingNews365: “Obviously I’m still learning, but also the pace has to come at the same time.”Those things are always important in qualifying and the race.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”As long as they are the two sessions I’m in a good position that Red Bull wants me to be, FP1 to FP3, I will use as learning sessions.”It’s my first time driving a completely different car – I only drove with VCARB for the last four years, so it’s the first time I drove a completely different team’s car.Iconic F1 Grand Prix at the Imola circuit has some challenging corners for drivers “I’m trying to use that, and I know that if I unlock that area, I would be able to probably beat [Verstappen].“I know myself that I can’t beat him straight away, so I’m just trying to build a good baseline and wait for the moment that I can be in the [best] shape.”Red Bull have suffered with pace problems compared to constructor leaders McLaren, Norris and Oscar Piastri – the winner in Bahrain last week – sit first and second in the Drivers’ Championship.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARAccording to BBC Sport, a clause written into Verstappen’s contract says Red Bull have to provide him with a winning car or else he is free to leave.Team advisor Helmut Marko has suggested there is currently “great concern” over Verstappen’s future with Red Bull owing to the performance issues they are facing.Marko, 81, told Sky Germany: “The concern is great. Read More on The Sun”Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.”We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.” More

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      ‘You focus on commentating’ – Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull future

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN snapped back at a Sky Sports broadcaster after being asked about his future at Red Bull Racing.The star driver’s future at the F1 team came under question after a heated exchange between Helmut Marko and his manager Raymond Vermeulen.Max Verstappen snapped at a Sky Sports reporterCredit: RexVerstappen, 27, could leave Red Bull Racing due to a clause in his contract.Marko revealed the condition as he admitted the thought of the driver’s exit is a “great concern”.This led to Verstappen being directly asked by Sky’s David Croft if he was thinking about leaving the team.However, the question was met with a snapped answer from the four-time world champion.READ MORE ON F1″You focus on commentating, I’ll focus on driving.”We don’t need to worry about any other scenarios.”A lot of people are talking about it except me.”Like I said before, I just want to focus on my car, work with the people in the team.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”That is the only thing I am thinking about in Formula 1 at the moment. I am very relaxed.”Verstappen was also asked about the discussion that took place in the paddock that poured fuel on the exit rumours.Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max VerstappenVerstappen insisted that the conversation was more general and that everyone has been frustrated with the Bahrain GP.He claimed: “To my knowledge, I think they were having just a conversation about everything, which I think is allowed.”If someone, of course, picks up on it, people can always see it in their own way, right, how people are discussing things?”I think we were all left frustrated with the result and the things that went wrong in the race. “I think that’s what my manager, Raymond, and Helmut spoke about, and even Christian [Horner] came along as well.”So they all had a conversation.Read More on The Sun”I think that should be allowed.”We all care at the end of the day. We care about the team, we care about the people, we care about results. I think that’s quite normal.” More

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      ‘You can see people tense up’ – Red Bull insider lifts lid on ‘weird vibe’ and staff’s feelings towards Christian Horner

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      RED BULL RACING staff reportedly “tense up” when chiefs Christian Horner or Helmut Marko walk into the room, according to an F1 insider.The Milton-Keynes-based team have been struggling with internal issues since the start of 2024, which has coincided with a performance drop off on the track.A Red Bull insider has opened up about tensions in the teamCredit: GettyJournalist Nate Saunders says people stiffen when Horner or Marko walk into the hospitality.Credit: GettyThere is said to be a ‘weird vibe’ at the teamCredit: GettySeveral high profile names, including famed F1 engineer Adrian Newey, have left Red Bull over the last year.Meanwhile, the RB21 has clearly regressed from last season and has gone from the creme de la creme to arguably the fourth fastest car behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s up and down relationship with team principal Horner has been widely speculated on, with many suggesting the four-time world champion could take up a new challenge elsewhere.There has been noticeable friction in the current setup, with the problems possibly affecting performance on the track.READ MORE F1 NEWSSpeaking via ESPN’s Unlapped podcast, journalist Nate Saunders says people stiffen up when Horner or Marko walk into the hospitality. He said: “I mean, I’ve been in the Red Bull hospitality and it can be weird.”And I think Laurence will attest to this as well, there’s just a weird vibe down there.”Especially when Jos Verstappen’s in town as well, because you have all of these big figures down at Red Bull and you can tell they’re just kind of side-eyeing each other.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMax Verstappen is struggling to compete this seasonCredit: GettyHe could only finish sixth at the Bahrain Grand Prix on SundayCredit: Getty“Marko will walk in or Horner will walk in and you can see people tense up a little bit. There is a bizarre atmosphere down there.”The dispute between Horner and Verstappen’s dad Jos dates back to allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” directed against Horner by a female employee.Christian Horner brutally booed at F1 75 launch event a year on from sext scandalThe Red Bull chief has always denied the allegations, which were initially made in December 2023 and became public in early February 2024.The 51-year-old was twice cleared by an independent investigation, but there was then a string of high profile exits, including sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.And Verstappen had to block out his dad’s explosive rows with Horner over the scandal – and deal with a shoddy car – to seal a consecutive fourth world title, and spare the team’s blushes.But the 27-year-old – who revealed during the off-season that he is set to become a dad – faces a tough challenge to retain his title.He achieved a shock win at the Japanese Grand Prix, but eight points behind drivers championship’s leader Lando Norris.It came after Horner decided to brutally drop driver Liam Lawson for sister team driver Yuki Tsunoda after just TWO races.In the hours after the tough decision, Verstappen liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Lawson. Meanwhile, Tsunoda dropped out in Q1 in Japan before finishing 12th on his debut Red Bull weekend.But the Japanese driver did get the second RB21 into Q3 and the points for the first time in 2025 in Bahrain last weekend.Read More on The SunVerstappen could only manage P7 in qualifying and climbed to sixth in the race.He finished half a minute behind the winner Oscar Piastri as a lack of performance and poor pit stops cost him and Tsunoda. More