Max Verstappen spent the final days of his F1 summer break relaxing in a small Portuguese village, sharing moments with his family and friends. His partner, Kelly Piquet, posted photos showing them enjoying lakeside swims and celebrations alongside her daughter Penelope. This time away from racing allowed Verstappen to recharge ahead of the intense second half of the Formula 1 season.
The summer break serves as a crucial pause for Formula 1 drivers, providing them an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and recuperate between races. Verstappen, who recently became a father to a daughter named Lily with Kelly Piquet earlier this year, devoted much of this period to family time. While Verstappen is less active on social media, Piquet frequently shares glimpses into their life, including these latest snapshots from Comporta.
“Once upon a comporta,” she captioned the post.
Returning to Competition: Verstappen Ready for Dutch Grand Prix Challenge
As Formula 1 action resumes, Verstappen prepares to take on the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort later this week, marking a significant home race event. Although his RB21 car has struggled to match competitors’ pace in recent events, earning him no wins since Imola, Verstappen remains optimistic about delivering a strong performance on home soil.
He described his summer break as a valuable time to rest and reset, emphasizing the motivation he draws from racing in front of his home crowd. Verstappen’s connection with Dutch fans is well known, and the atmosphere at Zandvoort continues to energize him.
“It has been a good summer break, relaxing and spending time with family and friends. It was good to recharge and reset and we head straight to Zandvoort for the first race back,” he said (via GPBlog).
To commemorate the special event, Verstappen will wear distinctive gear featuring his signature Orange Lion theme, highlighting his pride and appreciation for the support he receives from fans.
“As my home race it is always a special race for me; the atmosphere is amazing and we always have such great support. Driving past a sea of orange when you are racing is an incredible feeling and I am looking forward to being back. To mark this, I will be wearing my Orange Lion helmet, special cap and boots.”
Significance of the Dutch GP and Future of the Circuit
The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix may hold added importance as it is expected to be Verstappen’s last race at Zandvoort under the current F1 calendar. The circuit will not host races in the 2026 season, with management announcing a new contract to bring the Madrid Grand Prix instead. This change adds an emotional element for Verstappen and his loyal fans as they anticipate one final opportunity to experience the storied race weekend in the Netherlands.
Max Verstappen’s return from the Formula 1 summer break to compete on home ground represents a pivotal moment in the season, as he seeks to rebuild momentum and inspire his supporters. His family-focused break, combined with the emotional charge of racing before his home crowd, positions him with renewed determination going forward.
