Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have been in a relationship for nearly ten years, with their journey beginning in 2016 when she was 27 and he was just 19. Kelly Piquet, daughter of the legendary Formula One driver Nelson Piquet, recently shared candid reflections on their first meeting, describing it as an “absolute disaster.”
The couple has grown closer over the years, navigating the pressures of Formula 1 racing and personal milestones while maintaining their bond despite the challenges of the sport and its public spotlight.
Kelly Piquet Shares Memories From Their First Meeting
This week, Kelly Piquet posted a series of photos on Instagram depicting moments from around a decade ago. The images included group trips with friends, family gatherings, and a rare snapshot alongside former F1 great Niki Lauda, who passed away in 2019. Among these, a black-and-white photo featuring Piquet and Verstappen marked the beginning of their story and sparked the most attention.
Kelly’s caption revealed the awkwardness of their initial encounter, stating,
“I met this man. The very next day he told me I was the love of his life.”
She continued:
Little did I know that 10 years later we’d be celebrating five years together and have a perfect baby girl.
In another comment, she added:
I absolutely did not have a magical night that evening, but there was serendipity in the air.
Her mother highlighted this sentiment, repeating,
I did not have a magical night that night,
to which Kelly replied,
I would say an absolute disaster.
This frank account reveals the rocky start of what would become a strong and lasting relationship between the Formula 1 star and Piquet, who has stood by Verstappen’s side through many of his career highs and lows.
Supporting Each Other Through Milestones and Challenges
Despite losing the championship to Lando Norris last season, Verstappen and Piquet reached significant personal milestones in 2025. In May, they welcomed their daughter Lily, marking Verstappen’s first experience of fatherhood. Reflecting on this moment, Verstappen expressed his happiness being present for the birth, sharing,
It was definitely a wonderful experience. I’m so glad I could be there – absolutely. My parents also said, of course, that being there and experiencing everything is the most beautiful thing. That’s absolutely true. Seeing your own baby is, of course, very special.
The arrival of Lily has brought new joy to their lives even as Verstappen faces uncertainty in his racing career.
Uncertain Future and Career Decisions for Verstappen
Despite a strong partnership with Red Bull through 2028, last season’s disappointing campaign and Mercedes’ continued pressure have stirred speculation about Verstappen’s loyalty to his team. A clause in his contract may allow him to leave Red Bull if he fails to finish in the top two of the drivers’ standings, potentially reactivating this year.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert commented on Verstappen’s situation, noting the delicate balance of loyalty and ambition:
Loyalty is important, but it can only go so far. When you’re in Verstappen’s position, you have to have that trust that Red Bull can offer him what he needs to win races.
He added,
But if Red Bull can’t consistently offer him the tools he needs, like in 2025, sometimes, loyalty comes to an end. Feelings can shift because they’re not giving you what they should be giving you.
Herbert further speculated,
I think a driver of Max’s stature is always looking for the next best thing. That doesn’t mean it could be next year, it could be in the next two or three years. All the rumours last season were a sign that Max might be looking elsewhere, let’s see.
This uncertainty marks a pivotal moment in Verstappen’s career, with his performance and Red Bull’s support likely to influence his decisions in the near future.
The Impact of Their Relationship on Verstappen’s Life and Career
Max Verstappen’s relationship with Kelly Piquet has offered him stability and support in a demanding sport where personal and professional pressures intersect. Their long-standing partnership has endured through early awkwardness to raise a family amidst the highs and lows of Formula 1 competition.
As Verstappen contemplates the next chapter of his racing career beyond 2025, the foundation he has at home with Kelly and their daughter could play a crucial role in his future choices. Fans and analysts alike watch closely to see how this balance between personal happiness and professional ambition will shape Verstappen’s path forward.
