It was New Year’s Day 2021 when the photo hit Instagram. Max Verstappen, usually pretty guarded about anything that isn't a steering wheel or a sim-racing rig, posted a shot of him and Kelly Piquet on a beach. The caption was simple: he’d found his happiness.
The internet, as you’d expect, basically melted.
But if you think this was just another "driver meets model" cliché, you’re missing the actual story. It’s way more tangled than that. We’re talking about a relationship that connects three world championships, two rival drivers, and a family dynamic that looks nothing like the sterile, PR-managed lives most celebrities lead.
How Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen Actually Met
People love to say they started dating out of nowhere in 2020. Not really.
They actually met way back in 2016. Kelly’s brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., organized a group dinner in Monaco. Max was just 19 at the time, a rising star who had recently been promoted to the senior Red Bull team. Kelly has since admitted in interviews that there was a "magical" spark even then, but the timing was all wrong.
She was about to start a high-profile relationship with Daniil Kvyat.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because F1 is a tiny, weird world. Kvyat was the man Max replaced at Red Bull. Kvyat is also the father of Kelly’s first daughter, Penelope. It’s the kind of crossover you’d expect in a soap opera, yet in the paddock, it’s just Tuesday. After Kelly and Daniil split in late 2019, she and Max reconnected. By late 2020, rumors were flying, and by early 2021, it was official.
Beyond the "Girlfriend" Label: Who is Kelly Piquet?
Kelly isn't just someone who stands in the garage wearing expensive sunglasses. Honestly, she was born into the exhaust fumes of the sport. Her dad is Nelson Piquet, a three-time F1 World Champion. Her mother is Sylvia Tamsma, a Dutch model.
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That Dutch connection is a detail people often miss.
Because Max is Dutch and Kelly’s mom is Dutch, there’s a cultural shorthand there that probably makes their life a lot easier. Kelly lived all over—Germany, Brazil, France, England—before landing in New York to study International Relations at Marymount Manhattan College.
She’s got a real resume:
- Interned at Vogue Latinoamerica.
- Worked as a buyer for Bergdorf Goodman.
- Handled social media for Formula E.
- Writes as a columnist and continues to model for major brands.
She’s a PR professional who actually understands the chaos of the racing world. When Max is stressed after a bad qualifying session, she isn’t asking him why he’s grumpy. She grew up with a father who lived that exact life.
The Penelope and Lily Factor
The most human part of the Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen story isn't the private jets. It’s the kids.
Max’s relationship with "P"—Penelope—has become a fan favorite. You’ve probably seen the clips from his Twitch streams. Max will be mid-race, hyper-focused, and Penelope will wander in to demand he plays with her or show him a new toy. He goes from "world-class predator on the track" to "patient step-dad" in three seconds flat.
He’s been very clear about his role, though. He’s said in interviews that he isn't trying to be her father—Daniil is her father—but he’s a stable, loving figure in her life.
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Then came 2025.
In May 2024, during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, the couple welcomed their first child together: a daughter named Lily. It was a massive year for them. While Max was locked in a brutal title fight with Lando Norris (one he narrowly lost by just two points), his home life was shifting gears.
Why This Couple Actually Works
F1 relationships usually burn out fast. The travel is brutal. The ego is high.
But Kelly and Max seem to have a weirdly grounded vibe. They recently moved into a new home together, and their New Year 2026 trip to Brazil was a glimpse into their "new normal." Max was spotted playing beach volleyball and carrying Lily into the surf for the first time.
Kelly recently shared a pretty raw update on Instagram about her postpartum experience. She talked about the "hormonal shifts" and "hair loss," partnering with Lunesi Beauty to talk about the reality of being a mom. It wasn't the usual "everything is perfect" influencer post. It felt real.
Max, for his part, seems to have mellowed. He’s still the guy who will fight for every inch of tarmac, but he’s also the guy who doesn't mind a phone covered in Penelope’s cat stickers.
What’s Next for the Piquet-Verstappen Family?
As we head into the 2026 season, things are changing again. Max is prepping for the launch of the new Red Bull car on January 15 in Michigan. There are new regulations, a new teammate in Isack Hadjar, and the pressure to reclaim the title from Norris.
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But for the first time in his career, the "Max" we see in the paddock is clearly a family man.
If you're following their journey, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Public Appearances: Expect to see Kelly and Lily in the paddock more often this year as Lily gets older.
- Marriage Rumors: They aren't married yet. Max has been asked about it a dozen times, and his answer is always some variation of "we're happy as we are, but maybe one day."
- The Brazil Connection: Max spends more and more time in Brazil with the Piquet clan. Seeing him bond with Nelson Piquet (who reportedly doesn't talk shop with him) shows how deep these roots are growing.
The reality is that Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen have built a life that survives the 200mph pressure cooker of Formula 1. Whether he wins a fifth title or not, the "Mini Verstappen-Piquet" era is officially here.
To keep up with the latest, watch for Kelly’s updates on Instagram—she’s usually the one who provides the real behind-the-scenes look at the man behind the helmet. Or, if you’re a gamer, keep an eye on Max’s Sim Racing streams. That’s usually where Penelope makes her best cameos.
Next Steps for F1 Fans:
To get the most authentic view of their life, follow Kelly’s official Instagram for her "visual treasures" and watch the Red Bull "Behind the Charge" series, which often captures the family in the hospitality suite during race weekends. If you're looking for technical race updates, the 2026 car launch is the next big milestone to watch.