F1 One Shots

#133 Max - Secret is out

NARRATOR POV: It's first race in 2027 season. This year, just like before Covid, with the pandemic long forgotten, we're back in Melbourne, Australia as a season opener. For a while it was Bahrain, but now we're back where it was before. Last years brought changes not only in sport itself, but also in teams and their line-ups. All three, Alonso, Vettel and Hamilton retired, the latter claiming his ling dreamed 8th title, but nothing more. And they probably soon will be followed by Magnussen, Perez, Riccardo and Bottas, who are not in their prime anymore too. The "youngsters" Max, Charles and Lando got their titles too, Verstappen claiming his second with Red Bull, Leclerc being first champion for Ferrari since Raikkonen in 2007, and Norris with his McLaren. F1 also saw new faces, like Oscar Piastri and Callum Ilott, making a bit of an impact in terms of moving forward...
But not only career-wise changes were made...
In late 2022, media broke to the world, that Max Verstappen and his brazilian girlfriend and model of two years Kelly Piquet broke up, quite "explousively"...
The reason was, that they wanted different things in life. But fans thought that actually Mackenzie Bontempo, a Max and Victoria's long time best friend had something to do with that.. Nobody had a proff tho...
The only sure thing was, that after that drama, Max's private life seemed to be almost non-existant apart from his family, like his sister and his little nephews, who seemed to be the center of his world. Until then...

For almost 5 years, people were wondering, if he'll ever be in love with someone like before, again... With Kelly he seemed to be in the best place in life, content as it was.. But turns out that life had other plans.. 2027 came, and threw EVERYONE off...
Red Bull fought with Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes right from the start, and it was looking like the decider will happen during qualifying... But before that, drivers needed to attend the interviews...
-Max, how would you comment on the amount of house-power your competitors have? Do you think that all of you can bring so tight and exciting season like years before?
-Yeah... Well, I'm not sure if we can say that yet, as it's still pretty early for that, as we have first qualifying before us, but after that, who knows?! I thing that only after that we'll be a bit able to say, where everyone are at, at what we can...- he started, but then stopped himself suddenly and looked to the side with wide eyes, but big grin on his face.
-Max?!- Interviewer was shocked. It was pretty unusual for 2 times World Champion to stop the interview like that...
But everything was answered, when he kneeled down and caught little girl in his arms. Then, ignoring everyone around him, he stood up holding the child close to his chest and began quiet conversation with her in Dutch with shining eyes and wide smile.
-Sorry to interupt, but...- journalist tried again, looking in awe at the man in front of him.
-It's nothing- Max repiled and continued, this time in English -I want to address all the rumors that it can cause... Yes, this little girl right here is mine...- Max said proudly and tickled the girl in his arms lightly on the stomach, making her giggle -Her full name is Richelle Victoria Bontempo-Verstappen...- his words made whole media pen silent. Everyone were listening carefully, drivers who were present were smiling wide, happy for their friend. They know Max, Kenzie and little Elle long enought to do so.
-Bontempo? As in....?
-Makenzie Amelia Bontempo, yes- Dutchman agreed with soft expresion on his face. Everyone involved knew how hard it is for them to keep their relationship AND Elle a secret...
-Since our baby girl is a little more than 2 years old, we decided it was finally time to tell the world the truth... Show them our happiness we needed to hide for so long...- Max sighed deeply and then kissed his dauthers hairline -I want also say that Kenzie is not the reason behind mine and my ex-girlfriend's, Kelly Piquet's relationship fail... We had different goals in life at that time... I'm wise enough now, to see clear after almost 5 years, that I wasn't mature and wise enough to give Kelly everything she wanted, needed and deserved. I, wholeheartedly wish her, Penelope and whole Fam all the best...
-But rumor has it...?!
-That my close friendship with Mackenzie was the issue? Yeah, no. Kenz had nothing to do with that, never did...
-Uncle Danny!- Elle squealed and reached her arms to the right, to jump into wide and waiting arms of all smiley Daniel Riccardo.
-Oi, Princess!- he smiled and kissed her cheek, also patting Max on the back -How is my god-daughter doing?
-Good- she smiled at him and then snuggled closer to the Australian -You?
-Happy to see my favourite Dutchie girl- his remark all of them laugh.
-As I was saying, Kenzie helped me to regain focus on my life after that fall out with Kelly. I also want to share one thing...- Max said, and them lifted his right hand, for it to be visible on camera, revealing shining gold wedding band on his finger -I want all the fans, media, and paparatzzi, to respect my private life, wellbeing and privacy, also meaning my wife and daughter...
-How long are you guys married then?
-Almost a year... After beautifull 3 years alongside the most kind, loving and beautifull person I've ever met...
-Ey, Maxy!- Daniel joked, lifting the spirits and brightning the mood.
-Shut the fuck up, Dan! I'm trying to make serious statement here!- he argued, but still had a smile on his face, clearly happy.
-Daddy!- Richelle interupted them, and jumped back into her fathers arms -Hugs!
-Yes Elle, hugs- the little girl made Max smile widely, as he kissed the top of her head.
-Proud dad, 2 times World Champ, what's next goal for you?
-To make sure that my family is healthy and strong for what is yet to come and hopefully another title at the end of the year- Max said his final words, ending the interview. Some other drivers came to him for a chat and to say hi to Elle. They also congratulated him for the courage and escorted the little family right to Mackenzie's waiting arms.
-Mommy!- Richelle wiggled out of her father's grip and was first to reac her, with Max not far behind.
-Schatsje, don't cry!- Verstapped smiled and embraced her around the waist, hugging his girls close.
-That's her fault!- she argued, pointing at her round stomach.
-How are you doing?
-Happy, relieved... Your words were beautifull...
-I tried my best- her comment made him smile.
-You ARE the best Schatsje- she said and they sweetly kissed, making everyone awe.
-Ik houd van je... (I love you...)
-Ik hou ook van jou... (I love you too)

Next days turned into weeks, but everyone were still talking about Maxs' statement and the fact that another Bontempo-Verstappen baby is on its way... Many drivers were asked about it, along with "old competitors", like Sebastian, Lewis or Fernando, who backed up "the kid", and said only the best about the pair. It was very sweet...
But all in all, Bontempo-Verstappen family definitely has a bright and colorfull future ahead of them, to which they're looking forward to...
THE END

Not really a comment on this one...
Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.