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PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL – APRIL 30: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing walks in the Paddock with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet before practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Portugal at Autodromo Internacional Do Algarve on April 30, 2021 in Portimao, Portugal. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL – APRIL 30: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing walks in the Paddock with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet before practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Portugal at Autodromo Internacional Do Algarve on April 30, 2021 in Portimao, Portugal. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen became a World Champion at the age of 24 in 2021. His start to this season has been a mixed bag. A stunning victory in Saudi Arabia meant he was off the mark at the season opener but is now back on track. However, Dutchman’s retirement in Bahrain due to fuel issues leaves him behind Charles Leclerc, on the scoreboard. Many expect the battle between the two to be intense as the season progresses.
As Formula 1 gears up for the third race, the drivers are recharging their batteries ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet shared an Instagram story that included Verstappen and his long-time manager, Raymond Vermeulen, having dinner together.
Read More: How Far is Max Verstappen Away From an F1 Race Ban?
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Raymond Vermeulen celebrated his birthday yesterday and, as can be seen in the Instagram Stories of Kelly Piquet as they played a joke on him with the cake. Verstappen and his partner gifted him a small cake with a message which read, “Happy Birthday 25 years old.” This story was then followed by an image of them having dinner.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 23, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race with girlfriend Kelly Piquet Pool via REUTERS/Sebastien Nogier
She seized the moment for a selfie with Max and Vermeulen, who laughs with them at the joke played by the two. Managing a World Champion is surely no simple task. So it’s only fair that the Dutchman rewarded his manager with a dinner for his birthday.
Helmut Marko reveals an ‘exit clause’ in Verstappen’s contract
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Max Verstappen signed a lucrative contract with Red Bull until 2028. The new improved figures see him match Hamilton in terms of salary. Additionally, he is also the highest-paid driver on the grid. However, Helmut Marko revealed that an exit clause is present in the Dutchman’s contract. According to Marko, the clause can be activated if Red Bull struggles to match their competitors.
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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – SEPTEMBER 21: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko look on in the Pitlane during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 21, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The Milton-Keynes-based team has already experienced a similar story with Sebastian Vettel. The German came into the 2014 season as a 4 time World Champion. However, Mercedes’ dominance in 2014 saw Vettel leave Red Bull for the rival, Ferrari. They will hope the story does not repeat with Verstappen.
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Watch This Story – Top 5 wins of Max Verstappen’s F1 career
Max Verstappen is Red Bull’s hope of having a command in the upcoming years. Many believe he will continue his dominance on the grid, having signed a contract till 2028. However, there will be intense competition for the ultimate throne in Formula 1. Will Verstappen overcome the challenges to dominate the sport?
