In a dramatic twist to the Formula 1 off-season saga, Kelly Piquet, partner of four-time world champion Max Verstappen, has issued a fiery statement directed at Mercedes driver George Russell. The comment, “Stay away from him,” comes amid swirling rumors of a potential Red Bull contract proposal to Russell for the 2026 season, intensifying the already fraught relationship between Verstappen and his British rival. The statement, made via a now-deleted Instagram story, has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, igniting debates about team dynamics, personal rivalries, and the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup.
The backdrop to Piquet’s outburst is a tumultuous 2025 season marked by on-track clashes and off-track tensions between Verstappen and Russell. The two drivers have had a fractious relationship, most notably highlighted by their collision at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this year. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, collided with Russell’s Mercedes, resulting in a 10-second penalty and three penalty points for the Dutchman, bringing him perilously close to a one-race ban. The incident, described by former F1 champion Nico Rosberg as “intentional retaliation,” saw Verstappen drop to 10th place, severely denting his championship hopes. Russell, meanwhile, capitalized on McLaren’s strong form to close the gap in the drivers’ standings, adding fuel to their rivalry.
The latest twist in this saga revolves around unconfirmed reports that Red Bull has approached Russell with a contract proposal for 2026, a move that would see him potentially replace Sergio Perez, whose future with the team remains uncertain. While Red Bull has not officially confirmed the offer, sources within the paddock suggest the team is exploring options to bolster its lineup as it prepares for the new engine regulations in 2026. Red Bull’s collaboration with Ford to produce its own power units has raised questions about the team’s competitiveness, especially with Mercedes reportedly leading the development race for the new rules.
Piquet’s statement appears to be a direct response to these rumors, signaling her disapproval of Russell potentially joining Verstappen at Red Bull. The Brazilian model and daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet has been a vocal supporter of Verstappen throughout their five-year relationship, often seen celebrating his victories and standing by him during controversies. Her comment, though brief, suggests a personal stake in the matter, possibly reflecting concerns about how Russell’s arrival could disrupt team harmony or Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull. The couple, who recently welcomed their first child together, daughter Lily, have been a high-profile presence in the F1 paddock, and Piquet’s protective stance has only amplified the drama surrounding the rumored deal.
Russell, for his part, has not directly addressed Piquet’s statement but has fueled speculation about his future by confirming ongoing talks with multiple teams, including Mercedes, where he is out of contract at the end of 2025. Speaking to Sky Sports, Russell downplayed concerns about his position, stating, “If I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.” His comments suggest confidence in his marketability, especially after his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, where he outshone Verstappen to claim the top step. However, his strained relationship with Verstappen, coupled with Piquet’s public warning, could complicate any potential move to Red Bull.
The possibility of Russell joining Red Bull has also raised eyebrows due to the team’s internal dynamics. Verstappen, who has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to Red Bull through his contract until 2028, has been at odds with team principal Christian Horner over various issues, including strategic missteps during the 2025 season. His father, Jos Verstappen, has also clashed with Horner, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future. A move for Russell could be seen as a bold strategy to secure a competitive driver for the new regulations, but it risks alienating Verstappen, who has made it clear he intends to see out his career with Red Bull.
Piquet’s statement has sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans divided over her intervention. Some praise her loyalty to Verstappen, viewing her comment as a defense of her partner’s legacy at Red Bull. Others criticize it as an overstep, arguing that personal relationships should not influence professional decisions in F1. The controversy has also reignited discussions about the intense rivalries that define the sport, with comparisons drawn to past feuds like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost or Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
As the 2025 season draws to a close, the F1 world is left speculating about Red Bull’s next move. Will they pursue Russell despite the potential for internal conflict? Or will Verstappen’s influence, bolstered by Piquet’s public stance, keep the Briton at bay? With Mercedes reportedly in advanced preparations for 2026 and Red Bull facing the challenge of its new power unit program, the stakes are higher than ever. For now, Piquet’s bold warning has added a new layer of intrigue to an already explosive driver market, ensuring that all eyes will remain on Verstappen, Russell, and Red Bull as the 2026 season looms.
The F1 community awaits further developments, but one thing is certain: Piquet’s words have set the stage for a blockbuster off-season, where personal loyalties and professional ambitions collide in the high-octane world of Formula 1.
