During the ongoing Formula 1 summer break, Max Verstappen’s girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, shared a heartwarming selfie with her daughter Penelope Kvyat on her Instagram story Friday, August 15. The image captures the mother and daughter enjoying a relaxing seaside retreat as part of the Max Verstappen family vacation selfie series.
The family is currently spending time on the Italian island of Sardinia. Verstappen has been seen alongside Kelly Piquet, her daughter Penelope, and their daughter Lily, savoring the vacation together. The European getaway provides the perfect backdrop for their summer break from the demanding F1 calendar.
Penelope, born in 2019, is Kelly Piquet’s daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Although the couple separated later that year, Penelope remains an important part of their blended family unit.
Besides the selfie, Piquet shared additional glimpses of their trip, including a picturesque sunset over the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing the likely joyful and peaceful nature of their time away from racing tracks and public scrutiny.
Family Life in Monaco and Expanding Bonds
Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen have been together since 2020 and now reside in Monaco with their children Penelope and Lily. The couple welcomed Lily earlier this year in May. Verstappen has noted in interviews that he embraced an unofficial father role for Penelope before the couple had their own child together.
Currently, the family’s vacation extends to luxurious settings, including time on Verstappen’s superyacht named Unleash the Lion, which has been spotted anchored off Sardinia. This holiday marks a significant moment of togetherness for the family amidst the pressures of Verstappen’s career as a reigning F1 world champion.
Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff Seen Together Amid Speculation
Also attracting attention during the vacation was Verstappen’s encounter with Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 CEO and Team Principal, spotted socializing aboard a yacht earlier in the week. This meeting has reignited speculation about Verstappen’s future in Formula 1, especially rumors surrounding a possible team change.
The images of Verstappen and Wolff together, initially shared by the Italian media outlet Autosprint, came shortly after reports of a pre-British Grand Prix meeting in Sardinia where Verstappen’s future with Red Bull was discussed. Despite the rumors peaking around that time, Verstappen confirmed during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that he is bound by contract and would continue with Red Bull for at least one more season.
The renewed sightings of the pair together have fueled curiosity, with Verstappen clarifying he maintains a personal friendship with Wolff rather than a professional collaboration. However, speculation remains about whether Mercedes might pursue signing Verstappen in the future, potentially starting in 2027.
Implications for Verstappen’s Racing Career and Family Balance
The family vacation selfie shared by Kelly Piquet not only offers a rare glimpse of the personal side of one of Formula 1’s biggest stars but also highlights the balance Verstappen maintains between his demanding racing career and family life. As Verstappen enjoys quality time with Penelope, Lily, and Piquet, speculation about his professional future continues to stir among fans and media alike.
With their Sardinia vacation unfolding alongside ongoing discussions about contractual and career moves, the coming months could be pivotal in shaping both Verstappen’s racing trajectory and the family’s life. The support from loved ones appears to be an essential foundation as he navigates the highs and uncertainties of being a top-tier Formula 1 driver.
