Max Verstappen has become the center of social media attention after his partner, Kelly Piquet, shared an image over Christmas featuring him with a striking Las Vegas-themed T-shirt. The post, originally seen on Instagram, quickly gained traction on Reddit, especially within the r/Formula1 community, where users celebrated the racer’s cheerful expression and the unique T-shirt design.
Fans Celebrate the T-shirt and Verstappen’s Positive Year
The T-shirt, showing Verstappen holding a trophy and wearing sunglasses in a stylised nod to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, drew laughter and excitement from fans who noted how content he looked. Many Redditors suggested that Verstappen appeared to be in great spirits, following both a successful 2025 season and the birth of his first biological daughter. Enthusiastic comments called for the shirt to become part of his official merchandise, noting that much of Red Bull Racing’s current gear feels overused or uninspired. Some fans even suggested that Kelly Piquet handle any new merchandise designs, with several stating they would “buy this instantly” if the shirt were offered for sale.
Amid the speculation, there was no confirmation regarding any AI editing of the graphic, but users liked that the image was shared personally by Piquet, free from advertisements or sponsorships. The lighthearted interaction around the post soon escalated as outside sellers and dropshippers flooded the Reddit thread, hoping to capitalize on the viral attention. Thread moderators intervened to regain control, eventually locking the conversation. This prompted further jokes about just how high the demand was for unique Verstappen merchandise among the fanbase.
Changing Public Perception of Verstappen
The discussion also reflected on how Verstappen’s image had evolved in recent times. As the 2025 season progressed, more fans began cheering for the Dutch driver, seeing him in a more positive light and often rooting for him as an underdog compared to previous years. Supporters commented on how public sentiment had turned, with Verstappen now being “generally liked or loved” by a broader audience.
Impact of the Season and Community Response
After an especially competitive second half of the season, Verstappen narrowly missed out on a championship win by just two points. The Red Bull Racing driver expressed satisfaction with his efforts, and many fans echoed their approval and admiration. As one Reddit user put it:
“That shirt screams champion energy and zero subtlety,”
– Reddit commenter.
The viral moment surrounding the Max Verstappen Las Vegas T-shirt demonstrates not only the passion and creativity of his supporters but also the increased engagement and positive sentiment facing both Verstappen and the Formula 1 community heading into the next season.
