Max Verstappen Goes Behind Helmut Marko & Co. as He Breaks a Company Rule; Exposed by GF Kelly Piquet Herself

While some are more than others, there is an element of danger involved in any kind of outdoor activity that requires you to go fast. Even after 10 years, it’s still difficult for the fans of Formula 1 to forget the horrible fate of Michael Schumacher in his skiing accident in 2013. It changed the course of his life. And so, the athletes who are at the top of their game need to be extremely wary of what kind of things they do in their free time. However, for Max Verstappen, the reigning triple world champion for Red Bull Racing, this isn’t even a choice.

In January, before the start of the 2024 ‘silly season,’ Max Verstappen shared insights into a bizarre clause in his contract that prohibits him from engaging in “dangerous sports“ during his spare time. This clause is part of his agreement with Red Bull Racing, aiming to ensure his well-being and physical condition remain at peak levels throughout his time with the team. But this is not a new thing in the world of sport. Similar provisions are common among elite athletes, as organizations and teams seek to prevent their valuable assets from potential injuries that could hinder performance.

Verstappen revealed that activities such as skiing have been off-limits for him for the past five years due to the associated risks. He emphasized the importance of minimizing risks, especially considering his goals to secure more championship titles and race victories in the future. In his own words, Verstappen noted, “When you think about that, you automatically do take a little less risk.”

One man who is especially concerned about the Durtchman’s well-being is the Red Bull motorsport advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko. He even declined Verstappen’s desire to participate in the Red Bull Formula Nürburgring event last September, deeming it “too dangerous” for Verstappen. Despite Max’s enthusiasm for the event, Marko vetoed his involvement.

However, it looks like Verstappen has had enough of the ban on what he wants to do in his spare time as revealed by his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet’s recent Instagram Story. Kelly shared images and clips of the duo, along with her daughter, Penelope, spending time in the snowy mountains of Niseko, a town in Hokkaido, Japan, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. Her story was shared on X with a funny caption that read, “Max: I’m not allowed to ski, no dangerous sports. Well, akshually 🥸.“

However, this is not the first time Verstappen has taken his position at Red Bull for granted. If you could even say that.

Max Verstappen went skiing with his new trainer Rupert Manwaring ahead of the RB20 launch.

As Verstappen was gearing up for the 24-race season, his trainer, Bradley Scanes, decided to step down to spend more time with his family. So, Verstappen brought in Rupert Manwaring, who previously worked with Carlos Sainz. At the launch of Red Bull’s new car for the 2024 season, Verstappen revealed that he’s been working hard and even indulged in some skiing for the first time in years. He made sure to stay safe on the slopes, though, sticking close to familiar territory.

When asked by the media if he took permission from the team to go skiing, Max replied, “You know what it is, when they call me and ask ‘What are you doing’ they say ‘Oh, what fun!’ It’s Red Bull, after all, Austria, skiing is obviously very popular there. Only then when I call them ‘I broke my leg’, it’s of course like ‘Yeah, why are you skiing?’. But on the other hand, you can also slip in the shower and break something. That’s always in there. And of course, when you go skiing, you don’t go down the slopes like a lunatic.”

READ MORE: Drive to Survive Creator Reveals “Problematic” Max Verstappen and Red Bull Narrative as He Justifies Their Omission from the Show

Will Max Verstappen get back to his winning ways at the Suzuka International Circuit after an unfortunate mechanical DNF in Australia? Share your thoughts and podium predictions.