The Formula 1 world has been buzzing with rumors since Max Verstappen and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff were both spotted in Sardinia, with their yachts moored off the coast of the Italian island. Speculation about a potential move by the four-time world champion to Mercedes reached a fever pitch when it emerged that Verstappen’s private jet flew to Sardinia while Wolff’s yacht was also nearby. Fans and media alike speculated about a secret meeting between the two, which could determine Verstappen’s future in Formula 1. Now, Kelly Piquet, Verstappen’s partner, has clarified the reason for their stay in Sardinia via Instagram, effectively quashing speculation about the two yachts and a supposed meeting with Wolff.

In recent days, the flight and boat movements of Verstappen and Wolff have been the subject of speculation. According to F1-Insider, a usually reliable source, both Verstappen and Wolff had planned a family vacation in Sardinia during the two race-free weekends in July 2025. Verstappen’s yacht, Unleash The Lion, had been moored off the island’s coast for weeks, while Wolff’s yacht, which departed earlier from Monaco, was also spotted nearby. This led to wild stories of a secret meeting, fueled by former racing driver Ralf Schumacher, who suggested in an interview with Formel1.de that the presence of both yachts could not be a coincidence. Nelson Piquet Jr., Verstappen’s brother-in-law, even added fuel to the fire by revealing in a podcast that discussions had already taken place between Verstappen and Wolff about a possible transfer to Mercedes in 2026.

Kelly Piquet, who is usually reticent about her private life, decided to put the rumor mill to bed with a series of Instagram posts revealing the real reason for their stay in Sardinia. In her Stories, she shared photos of a “mini-vacation” aboard Unleash The Lion, featuring herself, Verstappen, and their daughter Penelope enjoying the Mediterranean Sea. Piquet emphasized that the couple were simply using the free weeks before the Belgian Grand Prix to relax and spend quality time with their family. “No secret meetings, no contract negotiations, just sun, sea, and family,” she wrote in an accompanying caption, immediately dispelling speculation about a meeting with Wolff. She added that the coincidence of Wolff’s presence in Sardinia was nothing more than that: a coincidence.

Piquet’s comments come as the Formula 1 paddock is seething with uncertainty about Verstappen’s future. The four-time world champion, whose contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, is under pressure due to the RB21’s disappointing performance in 2025. The team sits only fourth in the constructors’ championship, and internal unrest, including the resignation of team principal Christian Horner and the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey, has fueled speculation about Verstappen’s departure. Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, is seen as a serious contender to sign Verstappen in 2026, particularly due to the promising prospects of the new W16 car under the upcoming regulations. However, Verstappen himself remains vague about his plans. During the British Grand Prix, he stated that his focus is on the upcoming races and that he will make a decision about his future around the summer break.

The presence of the two yachts in Sardinia was quickly interpreted by fans and media alike as a sign of negotiations. Social media sites like X were abuzz with theories, with users following the movements of Verstappen’s private jet and concluding that a brief stop on the island must indicate a meeting with Wolff. Ralf Schumacher added: “There are two boats in Sardinia, one belonging to Toto Wolff and one to Max Verstappen. I imagine they are having coffee together.” This comment, combined with Nelson Piquet Jr.’s confirmation that talks had taken place, caused a media storm. Yet Piquet’s recent post emphasises that the situation is much simpler. She pointed out that Sardinia is a popular destination for Formula 1 luminaries, and that the proximity of Wolff’s yacht is not an indication of professional discussions.

Piquet’s candid response also sheds light on her role in Verstappen’s life. The Brazilian, daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, has generally kept a low profile but occasionally shares glimpses into their private life. Earlier this year, she accidentally revealed the gender of their second child—a girl, Lily, due in April 2025—and spoke in a rare interview about their relationship and future plans, including a possible wedding. Her recent post about their Sardinia vacation shows she’s consciously trying to dampen the rumors and focus on their family life, rather than speculation about Verstappen’s career.

For Red Bull, the unrest surrounding Verstappen presents an additional challenge in an already turbulent season. Horner’s dismissal, following allegations of inappropriate behavior and tensions with Verstappen’s father, Jos, has left the team in a precarious position. Laurent Mekies, the new team principal, faces the challenge of maintaining Verstappen’s confidence and returning the team to the top. Meanwhile, Mercedes, with Wolff at the helm, remains an attractive option for Verstappen, particularly given their experience with new regulations and the opportunity to race alongside young talent like Kimi Antonelli. However, sources close to Verstappen, including his management, suggest he intends to remain loyal to Red Bull, provided the team can become competitive again.

The Formula 1 community remains divided over the situation. Some fans see a move to Mercedes as a logical step for Verstappen to further strengthen his career, while others fear the W16 won’t meet his high standards. Piquet’s revelation, however, has put an end to speculation about a secret meeting in Sardinia, and her emphasis on their family vacation offers a moment of calm in the storm of rumors. As Verstappen prepares for the upcoming races, the question lingers: will he remain loyal to Red Bull, or does a new challenge at Mercedes beckon? Time will tell, but for now, the Dutchman is enjoying the peace and quiet on his yacht, far from the hustle and bustle of the paddock.