Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was recently spotted enjoying a relaxing day away from the pressures of Formula 1 with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. This Max Verstappen day out with Kelly Piquet took place in St. Tropez, where the couple spent time on the water with Piquet’s daughter, Penelope Kvyat.
Despite holding third place in the 2025 driver standings behind McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Verstappen’s season has been competitive but challenging. The four-time defending F1 world champion has shown remarkable skill managing the difficult RB21 car, but recent races have seen him lose ground in the championship fight.
Fan Reactions Highlight Max’s Fun and Balance on the Water
As news and photos of Verstappen’s day off circulated on social media, fans shared humorous and admiring comments about his relaxed appearance and water skills. Many noted the lighthearted atmosphere of the outing, with some joking about Verstappen’s balance on a surfboard compared to his car performance.
“Guess Kelly’s swim lessons paid off lol.” —Fan
“Imagine Max Verstappen having better balance on a surfboard than his RB21.” —Fan
“This pic is frying me because kelly and p looked very photo ready and then BAM goes through max verstappen with his f**k ass life jacket,” said a fan.
“He can only drive a car, that’s exactly what I want,” wrote a fan.
“They love St Tropez. It’s so beautiful there,” claimed another.
The relaxing break comes at a critical time in Verstappen’s campaign, as the Austrian GP is not only a key race but also marks the weekend when two penalty points on his racing license are set to expire. Losing these points could lessen the risk of a ban, easing some pressure on the Dutch driver.
Expert Comments on Verstappen’s Authenticity Amid Recent Media Tensions
Aside from his personal life, Verstappen has recently been at the center of media attention following a tense exchange with Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz at the Canadian Grand Prix. F1 pundit Peter Hardenacke weighed in on Verstappen’s behavior during this confrontation, praising the driver’s straightforwardness and sincerity.
“I think [English] media are sometimes very harsh and direct in their questions. Max unmasked him: ‘What do you want now? Do you want me to blame one man? Because I don’t. We work differently on this team.'”
“I really appreciate that about Max, he is so clear and keeps eye contact all the time. I think that’s what makes him so unique. If you talk about authenticity, he is one of the most authentic people in the paddock.”
Verstappen’s candid approach during press interactions highlights his no-nonsense attitude, especially when discussing sensitive topics such as the Spanish GP incident involving Stephen Knowles and George Russell.
Upcoming Challenges and What Lies Ahead for Verstappen
Max Verstappen’s upcoming race weekend at the Austrian GP represents an important moment both competitively and personally. Securing better results is essential to close the gap with the McLaren duo, while the reduction in penalty points may help mitigate risks of disciplinary action. The combination of a personal break with Kelly Piquet and the pressure of high-stakes racing reflects the balancing act the Dutch driver must perform as the season progresses.
With the championship battle intensifying, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if Verstappen can regain his momentum after a challenging spell and continue his quest for a fifth consecutive world title.
