Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has added a spectacular new toy to his collection: a luxurious $15 million Mangusta superyacht, aptly named “Unleash the Lion.” This stunning 33-meter Mangusta GranSport 33 is the latest in a long list of impressive acquisitions for the Dutch racing star, who was recently seen at the Overmarine shipyard in Italy with his partner, Kelly Piquet, as they explored their new yacht.
The yacht, which Verstappen commissioned two years ago, features five opulent staterooms, offering ample space for up to 12 guests, along with three additional cabins for crew members. The design is focused on comfort and luxury, with a spacious sundeck and a beach club at the stern for easy access to the water. It’s not just a vessel for getting from one place to another, but an experience in itself, with numerous lounging areas for relaxation. The estimated $15 million price tag certainly reflects the scale of the luxury and craftsmanship involved.
This purchase marks the latest in Verstappen’s growing collection of high-end toys, which already includes a Dassault Falcon 900EX private jet. But while the yacht is undeniably a statement of wealth and success, it also raises questions about the future of the racing legend, particularly in relation to his career in Formula 1.
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan suggested that when drivers begin investing in luxury yachts, it often signals the approach of retirement. Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan referred to the purchase of yachts by drivers as a common precursor to retirement. He recalled his own experience of buying a boat before stepping away from the sport, as well as the case of David Coulthard, who did the same.
While this might be the pattern for some drivers, Verstappen has made it clear that retirement is not currently on his mind. Despite his success, the 26-year-old has emphasized that he doesn’t feel pressured to continue racing for the sake of adding more titles to his resume. In a recent interview with Road & Track, Verstappen spoke candidly about his future, revealing that although he has a contract with Red Bull through to 2028, he is open to reevaluating his position depending on how the sport evolves.
The key factors for Verstappen in deciding whether to continue racing beyond his current contract will be the enjoyment of driving the new cars, which will debut in 2026, and the demanding nature of the F1 calendar. With a potential family to consider, Verstappen’s focus has shifted slightly from solely chasing championships to finding balance and joy in his career.
For now, Verstappen remains one of the most dominant forces in Formula 1, and the future of his career seems as open and unpredictable as his next thrilling victory on the track.