Max Verstappen Unwinds in Brazil with Family During F1 Off-Season

Fresh off his fourth consecutive World Championship, Max Verstappen is trading the high-pressure F1 paddock for the beaches of Brazil. The Dutch driver is on a well-earned holiday with partner Kelly Piquet and her family, even finding time to test his skills on the volleyball court as he recharges for the season ahead.

Why it matters:

In a sport as physically and mentally demanding as Formula 1, a complete disconnect is crucial for sustained success. Verstappen's decision to take a proper break, after publicly stating he needed one, underscores his understanding of the importance of recovery. This downtime is not just a vacation; it's a strategic part of his preparation to return recharged and motivated for his 2024 title defense.

The details:

• Brazilian Getaway: The holiday is taking place near Rio de Janeiro, the home country of Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet. This isn't their first trip together, having also attended the São Paulo Grand Prix as a family.
• A Needed Break: Verstappen had previously emphasized his need for a switch-off on the Talking Bull podcast, stating, "I really need it," after a long and grueling season.
• Off-Track Activities: NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez, who is married to Kelly's sister, Julia Piquet, shared videos on Instagram showing Verstappen casually playing volleyball and scoring a point.
• Championship Memento: For Christmas, Verstappen received a custom shirt commemorating his Las Vegas Grand Prix victory. The shirt features his now-iconic celebration on the podium, holding up his middle finger with the trophy while wearing his Vegas-themed glasses.

What's next:

With the holiday break winding down, the F1 grid will soon begin its ramp-up toward the new season. Verstappen will eventually return to the Red Bull factory to reunite with his team before heading to Bahrain for pre-season testing, where the first glimpses of the 2024 competitive order will emerge.