F1 fans think Max Verstappen has 'confirmed retirement' after making huge announcement on social media

Formula 1 fans have been sent into meltdown after Max Verstappen made a huge announcement on social media.

On Thursday, Verstappen's ongoing row with Mercedes star George Russell exploded ahead of this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The feud started last week during the Qatar Grand Prix after Verstappen was left unhappy with the way Russell behaved in the stewards' room.

Verstappen was handed a one-place grid penalty after being penalised for driving too slowly, with Russell describing the incident as "super dangerous" on his team radio.

Reacting to the controversial penalty, the Red Bull driver spoke about Russell's behaviour and declared that he had 'lost all respect' for the Mercedes star.

The Dutchman then doubled down on his comments on Thursday by saying Russell's behaviour was 'really unacceptable'.

Russell himself then hit back at the four-time F1 world champion, labelling him as a 'bully'.

On Friday morning, Verstappen took to social media to announce that he and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet are expecting their first child.

The pair wrote in a joint post on Instagram: "Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle."

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have announced they are expecting their first child. Image: Instagram/@maxverstappen1/@kellypiquet's profile picture kellypiquet

However, despite this being a happy announcement, F1 fans have been left worried that it could lead to an early retirement for Verstappen.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "He said it himself he don't want kids unless he's retiring."

Another tweeted: "Oh my god this means he’s retiring soon isn't he."

A third fan added: "The streets were right about the Verstappen-Piquet baby which means they could be right about Max retiring."

Someone else wrote: "Max Verstappen retiring early basically confirmed."

A fifth commented: "So Max Verstappen retiring next year? Because no way this man is gonna stay when he's gonna become a dad."

Another fan said: "Oh yeah Max Verstappen is definitely retiring after 2026."

Commenting on Verstappen's post, fellow F1 drivers congratulated the pair.

Alpine star Pierre Gasly wrote: "Congratulations to you 2!!", while McLaren's Oscar Piastri said: "Congratulations!"

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard put: "Here comes the next 10x World Champion."