If you spend any time on F1 Twitter or scrolling through deep-dive Reddit threads, you've definitely seen the side-by-side comparisons. People love a good transformation story. Especially when it involves someone as high-profile as Kelly Piquet. The Brazilian model and columnist, daughter of three-time World Champion Nelson Piquet, is basically royalty in the paddock. But lately, the conversation has shifted away from who she's dating—Max Verstappen, in case you've been living under a rock—and onto her face. Specifically, what she looked like before the rumored "glow-up."
Is it just aging? Better makeup? Or is there a surgical reality behind the "breakthrough" Vogue covers? Honestly, the truth is usually somewhere in the middle.
The Evolution of a Paddock Icon
Kelly didn't just appear out of thin air when she started dating Max in 2020. She’s been in the public eye for decades. We’re talking about a woman who grew up in the South of France, moved to Brazil, studied in London, and worked at Vogue Latinoamerica. When you look at photos of Kelly Piquet before surgery rumors began to swirl—specifically from her early 20s around 2014—you see a very different vibe.
Back then, her look was softer. Her nose had a slightly different bridge, and her jawline wasn't as razor-sharp as it is today. You've probably seen the grainy photos from her time as a PR professional for Formula E. She looked like a typical, beautiful young woman, but she didn't have that "sculpted by the gods" aesthetic that defines her current Instagram feed.
Some fans argue it’s just the "baby fat" leaving her face. Others are convinced she’s had a bit of help.
What the Rumor Mill Says
Let’s be real: the internet is obsessed with "tweakments." When people talk about Kelly Piquet’s transformation, a few specific procedures always come up.
- Rhinoplasty: This is the big one. Comparing her 2015 photos to her 2024 appearances, her nose looks more refined. The tip seems slightly more lifted. Is it a full-on nose job or just really good contouring? Some experts on social media suggest a subtle "refined" tip, but Kelly herself has never confirmed this.
- Buccal Fat Removal: This is the trend that won’t die. Kelly’s cheekbones are incredibly prominent now. While she’s always been slim, the hollowed-out look under her cheekbones is a classic sign of this procedure. Or, you know, it could just be the result of a very strict health and wellness routine.
- Fox Eye Lift or Blepharoplasty: There’s a distinct "snatched" look to her eyes lately. Her eyebrows seem higher, and the skin around her lids looks tighter. This gives her that high-fashion, "editorial" look that helped her land that January 2023 Vogue Netherlands cover.
The Health Struggles Nobody Talks About
While everyone is busy debating her fillers, Kelly has actually been quite open about a different kind of transformation. In early 2022, she caught COVID-19, and her health "completely plummeted." For over a year, she was getting sick every few weeks.
She’s spoken about struggling with severe anemia since she was a teenager, which got significantly worse post-COVID. This led to major hair loss and exhaustion. She eventually worked with a health coach, Jane (known as @lifeasjane on Instagram), to get her life back on track.
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"Healing takes time and dedication. No quick fixes," she shared with her followers. It’s a bit ironic that while she’s preaching "no quick fixes" for her internal health, the world is accusing her of taking the ultimate quick fix—plastic surgery—for her external appearance.
Why the "Before" Photos Still Matter
The fascination with Kelly Piquet before surgery isn't just about gossip. It's about the pressure of the spotlight. Kelly isn't just a "WAG"; she’s a professional model. Her face is her career. When you move from being a behind-the-scenes PR girl to the face of Louis Vuitton or Pepe Jeans, the standard for "perfection" changes.
Also, we have to talk about the "Verstappen Effect." Since she started dating Max, the scrutiny has intensified tenfold. Every line, every shadow, and every lip-filler rumor is dissected by millions of fans. Some of the vitriol is frankly unnecessary. She’s been accused of everything from "grooming" Max (which is a wild stretch given their age gap) to being "problematic" because of her father's comments. In that environment, wouldn't you want to look like the best version of yourself?
Setting the Record Straight
Does it actually matter if she’s had work done? Probably not. But in an era where transparency is supposedly "in," the silence can feel loud. Kelly has a very specific "10-minute glam routine" she’s shared, featuring high-end brands like Biologique Recherche and Chanel Beauty. She credits her glow to these products and her health journey.
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But skincare can only do so much. It can’t change the structure of a nasal bone or lift a brow by two centimeters.
The most important takeaway here is that Kelly Piquet has evolved. Whether that evolution happened in a surgeon's chair or through a decade of aging and high-end dermatologists, she has successfully rebranded herself from a "driver's daughter" to a legitimate fashion icon.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Critics
If you're looking at Kelly's transformation and wondering how to achieve a similar "refined" look, here’s the reality check you need:
1. Focus on internal health first. Kelly’s own admission about her anemia and post-COVID recovery shows that even the most beautiful women struggle with basic health. If your iron levels are low, no amount of filler will make you look "vibrant."
2. Invest in medical-grade skincare. She uses Biologique Recherche, which is the gold standard for a reason. Before jumping to surgery, try products that actually change your skin’s texture.
3. Understand the power of professional styling. A lot of what people see as "surgery" is actually professional lighting, professional makeup, and the right "angles."
4. Be skeptical of "Perfect" photos. Instagram is a curated gallery. Kelly’s "after" photos are often from high-fashion shoots where she’s been edited to look flawless. The "before" photos are usually candid snapshots. Comparing the two is like comparing a rough draft to a published novel.
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Ultimately, Kelly Piquet remains a fixture of the F1 world, baby bump and all (she’s currently expecting her first child with Max). Her look will continue to change, as all of ours do. Whether she ever addresses the surgery rumors or not, she’s proven she can handle the heat of the paddock—and the internet—with a very polished, very "snatched" face.
Take the next step in your own wellness journey: If you're inspired by Kelly's health turnaround, start by getting a full blood panel to check for deficiencies like anemia. Addressing internal health often does more for your appearance than any "tweakment" ever could. For those specifically interested in the cosmetic side, consult with a board-certified dermatologist before looking into surgical options; many "surgical" looks are now achievable through non-invasive lasers and skin-tightening treatments.