Verstappen and Family to Spend New Year's Eve in Brazil
Max Verstappen is heading to Brazil for New Year's Eve with partner Kelly Piquet and family, flight data suggests, as the four-time champion seeks a much-needed break after the season.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is set to spend New Year's Eve in Brazil with his partner, Kelly Piquet, and their family. Flight tracking data for his private jet points to a holiday in the South American country, a destination choice influenced by Piquet's heritage. The trip comes as Verstappen emphasized his need to switch off following a grueling 2024 season and with the massive rule changes of 2026 on the horizon.
Why it matters:
While a personal trip, Verstappen's downtime is crucial for his performance. The mental and physical reset after a long, demanding season is vital for a driver aiming to maintain his championship-winning form. His ability to fully disconnect and recharge with family can directly impact his focus and motivation when he returns to the grid for the 2025 season.
The details:
- Flight information for Verstappen's private jet indicates a landing in Rio de Janeiro, strongly suggesting the location for their New Year's celebration.
- The trip is a family affair, as Piquet is Brazilian. The group includes Verstappen's daughter, Penelope (from Piquet's previous relationship), and their child together, who will be celebrating a New Year's in her mother's home country for the first time.
- The couple has previously traveled to Brazil together for the São Paulo Grand Prix, making the country a familiar destination for them.
- Piquet recently fueled speculation by posting an Instagram story from a beach location, confirming the family is enjoying a coastal holiday.
What's next:
As the F1 world enjoys its winter hiatus, Verstappen's break is a timely reset before the 2025 campaign ramps up and teams intensify their focus on the landmark 2026 regulations. On the Talking Bull podcast, he explicitly stated, "I'm really looking forward to that... I really need it," highlighting the importance of this period of rest before he begins his title defense.