Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, recently focused on the spotlight, not only because of his performance on the circuit, but also because of his extravagant lifestyle outside the race track. His newest addition, a luxury super yacht called “Unleash the Lion”, has attracted a lot of attention since the early this year was delivered by the Italian shipyard Overmarine. This 33-meter long Mangusta Gransport 33 Jacht, which reportedly cost between € 12 and € 15 million, is a symbol of Verstappen’s success and his passion for speed and luxury. But what is even more surprising are the revelations of Verstappen about the operational costs of this yacht, which even leave the most seasoned Formula 1 fans with open mouth.

The yacht, which Verstappen ordered two years ago, was officially transferred in January 2025 in Viareggio, Italy, where he traveled with his partner Kelly Piquet and some team members to receive it. “Unleash the Lion” is not just a boat; It is a floating palace that can accommodate up to 12 guests in five elegant cabins, with room for five crew members to make the operations run smoothly. With a top speed of 26 knots, powered by four Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines, the yacht combines speed with an unparalleled level of comfort. The interior, with a modern Italian style, a beach club, a fitness room and inner and outside ore spaces, Verstappen’s eye reflects an eye for detail and his pursuit of excellence, both on and outside the circuit.

But what really caught the attention of the public are the costs associated with running such a super yacht. Verstappen recently shared in an interview that the annual maintenance costs of “Unleash the Lion” easily amount to € 1 to € 2 million. These costs include fuel, crew salaries, insurance, berth costs and regular maintenance to keep the hunt in top condition. The fuel costs in particular are shocking: at a cruising speed of 21 knots, the yacht can use tens of thousands of euros in fuel in a few hours, depending on the distance and circumstances. Verstappen joked that the yacht “is almost as expensive to run as my Formula 1 car, but without the trophies at the end of the day.”

In addition, the berth costs in exclusive ports such as that of Monaco, where Verstappen showed the yacht during the 2025 Grand Prix for the first time, a large cost item. A place in Monte Carlo’s marina can cost tens of thousands of euros per day during the Grand Prix weekend. Verstappen noted that choosing the right berths is a strategic decision, similar to choosing the right tire strategy during a race. “You have to plan ahead, otherwise you will get stuck in costs that you did not expect,” he said.

What is also striking is how Verstappen uses his yacht as an extension of his personal brand. The name “Unleash the Lion” is a direct reference to his fan-gear line and his aggressive driving style, which has given him four world titles. The yacht is not only a luxury item, but also a statement of its identity. He had the interior adjusted to his taste, with orange accents that are reminiscent of his racing colors and a sleek, modern aesthetics that reflect his personality. The yacht also serves as a refuge where he can escape from the bustle of the Formula 1 world, especially now that he and Kelly Piquet expect their first child. Piquet recently shared photos of a baby shower on board the yacht, which underlines the personal importance of this purchase.

Although Verstappen’s assets, estimated at more than € 150 million, enables him to make such expenses, he has emphasized that running a super yacht is a serious obligation. “It’s not just a matter of buying and sailing. It is an investment in time, planning and resources,” he explained. Fans surprised this openness about the costs, because it offers a rare look in the financial reality behind the glamor of a super yacht. For Verstappen, however, “Unleash the Lion” is more than a status symbol; It is an embodiment of his success and a place where he can continue his passion for speed and adventure on the water.

While he is preparing for the 2025 season, in which he again fights for the world title, Verstappen’s yacht remains a topic of conversation. It is a memory that he is not only a champion on the track, but also a man who knows how to convert his merits into a lifestyle that is just as impressive as his driving performance.