Max Verstappen brought his competitive edge off the Formula 1 track by performing an F1-style overtake while driving a golf cart during the drivers’ summer break. The incident happened as Verstappen took his partner, Kelly Piquet, and her daughter, Penelope, for a ride, prompting excited screams from both passengers.
Known for his relentless passion for racing, Verstappen continually engages with motorsport even when not competing. His dedication extends beyond Formula 1, as he spends many hours practicing on simulators and tested a GT3 car at the Nurburgring earlier this year. This enthusiasm appears to extend to more casual racing moments, as seen with the golf cart maneuver.
During a leisurely outing away from the track, Verstappen navigated a narrow path with his golf cart, skillfully pulling off an overtake move as Kelly Piquet and her daughter cheered loudly. This playful interaction showcased his natural reflexes and love for racing, regardless of the vehicle or setting.
Challenges on Track Shadow Verstappen’s Season Amid Red Bull’s Struggles
While Verstappen’s golf cart stunt brought smiles, his 2024 Formula 1 season has been more turbulent. Despite consistently displaying strong performance, Red Bull Racing has experienced a drop in form, affecting Verstappen’s chances of remaining in the championship fight. He has not won a race since the Imola Grand Prix and has found it difficult to reach podiums in recent events.
These challenges have marked a difficult period for the Dutch driver, whose driving style continues to reflect his tenacity, but whose results on the track have yet to match his usual dominance. The team’s overall performance slump has placed them under pressure, directly influencing Verstappen’s title hopes.
Verstappen Affirms Commitment to Red Bull Amid Team Change Rumors
Speculation about Verstappen potentially moving from Red Bull Racing to Mercedes surfaced as the team’s race results weakened. Rumors suggested that he was exploring options with the Brackley-based team for the 2025 season. However, Verstappen recently dispelled these ideas by confirming his continued loyalty to Red Bull.
“Well, the thing is that there’s always other people speaking a lot, while I’m not really talking, because first of all I don’t need to, I don’t need to say anything,” Max Verstappen told F1.
He further clarified his outlook:
“I think that’s also better for everyone, instead of just waffling things around. It makes no sense anyway, it’s a bit of a waste of time, but for me I’m very focused on ’26 with the team, to look ahead and make sure that we nail the regulations, and that we are competitive from the start.”
Verstappen’s contract currently extends with Red Bull until 2028, but reports mention a possible exit clause if the team fails to maintain its position in the Constructors’ Championship, adding some uncertainty to his long-term plans. For now, however, Verstappen’s focus remains on preparing for the upcoming season and adapting to new technical regulations.
The Impact of Verstappen’s Focus on Red Bull’s Future Prospects
Max Verstappen’s continued dedication to Red Bull suggests stability for the team despite their current struggles. His determination to master the forthcoming 2026 regulations signals an intent to restore competitiveness and regain the upper hand in Formula 1. As the season progresses, how Red Bull responds to its performance issues will be crucial for Verstappen’s championship ambitions and the team’s standing.
Meanwhile, moments like the golf cart overtake offer fans a glimpse of Verstappen’s unyielding racing spirit beyond the pressure of the track, highlighting a driver who remains intensely passionate regardless of circumstance.