In December 2024, Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen shared the exciting news that they are expecting their first child together. The couple posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, announcing the arrival of their "mini Verstappen-Piquet," alongside a photo of Verstappen cradling Piquet's growing baby bump.
Verstappen is famed for his electrifying speed on the F1 tracks. Starting his career in F1, he was the youngest driver at age 17, making his debut in 2015. He won the title in 2021, placing him among the top ten winners in F1 history in no time at all. Her boyfriend's wins have always found a supporter in Verstappen's girlfriend Kelly Piquet. Having a king-like family background as both her father and brother have participated in F1, she is no stranger to its entourage and lifestyle. She once dated fellow racer Daniil Kvyat with whom she gave birth to her daughter in 2019 before getting into a relationship with Max Verstappen.
Half-Brazilian, half-Dutch
Kelly Piquet, born in 1988 in Germany, has a fascinating multicultural background. She grew up with her Dutch mother, model Sylvia Tamsma, in the south of France. At the age of 12, she moved to Brazil, where her father, Nelson Piquet, hails from. Piquet later studied in England during her high school years but completed her final year back in Brazil. At 17, she relocated to New York City to pursue a degree in international relations at Marymount Manhattan College.
In November 2021, Piquet, Verstappen, and her daughter Penelope traveled to Brazil, where she shared moments from their trip on Instagram, including a touching photo of Verstappen sitting next to her daughter.
A Career in Fashion and Modeling
While in New York, Kelly Piquet dove into the world of fashion. She worked as an assistant stylist for Vogue Latin America and later as a buyer for Bergdorf Goodman. Piquet followed in her mother’s footsteps in modeling, working with renowned brands like Pepe Jeans, PatBo, and Louis Vuitton. She frequently posts modeling shots and adorable moments with her daughter and Verstappen on social media.
In January 2023, Piquet graced the cover of Vogue Netherlands with an F1-themed photoshoot. In an interview with the magazine, she reflected on her upbringing in the F1 paddock, noting, "This world is so familiar to me: I know what these guys are going through." She went on to explain why she doesn’t let Verstappen's career dominate her life. "Ultimately, this is Max's job. Would you normally bring your girlfriend or partner to the office? I want to wake up every day with the feeling: Today I am going to achieve something, otherwise, you will lose your strength, your energy, your light."
An F1 Legacy: Nelson Piquet's Daughter
Kelly Piquet is no stranger to the world of Formula 1. Her father, Nelson Piquet, is a legendary driver and three-time World Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time.
Family Life: A Daughter with Daniil Kvyat
In July 2019, Kelly Piquet welcomed her daughter, Penelope, with F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, with whom she was in a relationship at the time. The day after Penelope was born, Kvyat achieved his first podium in three years by finishing third at the German Grand Prix. He dedicated his success in the race to Piquet and their newborn daughter.
Pets and Home Life
In addition to their busy schedules, Piquet and Verstappen share two Bengal cats, Jimmy and Sassy. Piquet frequently posts pictures of the furry companions on Instagram, showcasing their close bond.
The couple resides in Monaco, where Piquet lives with her daughter, Penelope, and Verstappen. In December 2022, she celebrated her 34th birthday with Verstappen and friends at a Monte Carlo restaurant, sharing the joyous occasion on Instagram.
Despite their long-term relationship, Kelly and Max are in no rush to get married. Verstappen spoke about the topic in a December 2023 interview, explaining, "Marry? I? Now you have publicly pressured me to give a date! I don't know, time will tell. At the moment I'm very, very happy with Kelly, but personally, I don't have a timetable for when I'll get on my knees in front of her. This should all happen spontaneously."
He added, "Like I said, I don't know. The right day will come when we feel like we can put our relationship on paper."