Inside Max Verstappen’s $15 million yacht: How the F1 star relaxes away from the track

Max Verstappen spends much of the year travelling the world in pursuit of F1 victories in his custom-built Dassault Falcon 8X private jet, valued at approximately $50 million. But this weekend at the Monaco GP, he is using his latest luxury purchase - his super yacht.

As one of Formula 1's biggest stars, Verstappen has enjoyed enormous success with Red Bull Racing. Four world championships, race victories and lucrative commercial deals have helped establish the Dutch driver among the highest earners in motorsport. With that success has come the opportunity to enjoy some of the world's most exclusive luxuries.

His new purchase is a good example. Combining modern design with premium comfort, the vessel, a 33-meter (109-foot) superyacht named 'Unleash The Lion', has become a talking point among Formula 1 fans eager to learn more about the Dutchman's lifestyle beyond the paddock.

The yacht, commissioned in 2023 and delivered from the Italian shipyard Overmarine, features expansive outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, including sun decks and lounge areas offering uninterrupted views of the sea. Inside, guests are treated to high-end finishes and luxurious accommodation, creating an environment that feels closer to a five-star hotel than a traditional boat.

The Red Bull driver, who lives in Monaco, has previously been spotted enjoying time on the water during the Formula 1 off-season, particularly in popular Mediterranean destinations frequented by athletes, celebrities and business leaders. Yachts have become increasingly common among elite sports stars, with many choosing life at sea as the ultimate way to relax between professional commitments.

While Verstappen's competitive nature is most visible behind the wheel of his Formula 1 car, there are parallels between his passion for performance and the engineering found aboard modern luxury yachts. Advanced technology, powerful systems and meticulous design are key features in both worlds.

Performance was clearly a priority during the design process. The yacht is powered by four Volvo Penta D13 engines paired with IPS propulsion systems, allowing it to reach a top speed of approximately 26 knots. It cruises comfortably at around 21 knots and offers a range of more than 300 nautical miles, making it ideal for exploring the Mediterranean coastline. For a driver whose career has been built on extracting maximum performance from machinery, those specifications are unlikely to be a coincidence.

The luxury onboard is equally impressive. Unleash The Lion can accommodate up to 10 guests across five staterooms, including a spacious owner's suite. The yacht also has accommodation for five crew members, ensuring guests can enjoy a seamless experience while travelling between some of Europe's most exclusive destinations.

Among the vessel's standout features is a large sundeck complete with lounge seating, dining areas and a bar. A Jacuzzi located on the foredeck offers panoramic sea views, while multiple outdoor relaxation spaces provide plenty of room for entertaining guests. At the stern, a beach club allows direct access to the water, making it easy to enjoy swimming and water sports during time away from shore.

The yacht's relatively shallow draft of less than two metres also provides greater flexibility when visiting popular Mediterranean hotspots, allowing access to bays and anchorages that larger superyachts often struggle to reach.

Verstappen and partner Kelly Piquet were reportedly present at the yacht's launch ceremony in Viareggio, Italy, where the vessel was unveiled before beginning its first season in the Mediterranean.

While Verstappen's focus remains firmly on adding more victories and world championships to his already remarkable Formula 1 career, Unleash The Lion offers a glimpse into the rewards that come with competing at the very top of motorsport. Combining luxury, performance and exclusivity, the superyacht is a fitting possession for one of the biggest stars Formula 1 has ever produced.