Kelly Piquet: The Glamorous Life of Max Verstappen’s Partner and F1 Royalty
In the dazzling world of Formula 1, few names shine as brightly as Kelly Piquet, the stunning girlfriend of racing superstar Max Verstappen. This dynamic duo welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter named Lily, in May 2025, forever intertwining their legacies in the high-octane realm of motorsport. But who is Kelly Piquet, the woman behind the man and the child, and what is her fascinating story?
Born on December 7, 1988, in Homburg, West Germany, Kelly Tamsma Piquet Souto Maior, now 35, has carved out her own identity far beyond her famous lineage. As the daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, Kelly has been part of the racing elite from day one. Standing at an impressive 1.7 meters (5 feet 6 inches), she currently resides in the luxurious enclave of Monaco, where the rich and famous gather.
Kelly’s multifaceted career spans modeling, fashion consultancy, and social media influencing. Having worked alongside Formula E since 2015, she has also served as a health and well-being coach for over five years, showcasing her versatility in an ever-evolving industry. The former model graced the cover of Vogue Netherlands in early 2023, further solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
The romance between Kelly and Max Verstappen began amidst the swirling chaos of F1 in 2020, becoming official in January 2021. While the couple has been relatively private about their initial meeting, Kelly recently teased fans on social media, recalling that Max told her she was “the love of his life” just a day after they met. “Little did I know 10 years later we’d be celebrating five years together and have a perfect baby girl,” she shared with a nostalgic photo, adding a cheeky comment about their early rendezvous.
While the world eagerly speculates about their relationship, Kelly remains protective of their private life. “Maybe one day we will reveal the whole story, but I am careful with what I say. On the internet, everything derails so quickly. It’s nice to keep some things between us,” she stated, hinting at the pressure of life in the public eye.
The racing blood runs deep in the Piquet family. Kelly’s father, Nelson Piquet, is a legendary figure in F1, having clinched world championships in 1981, 1983, and 1987. However, his recent controversies, including a hefty $1 million penalty for racist remarks about seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, cast a shadow on the illustrious family name. Kelly’s brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., also has a notorious history in F1, particularly linked to the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal.
Before her love affair with Verstappen, Kelly was involved with another F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat. Their relationship blossomed in January 2017, producing a daughter, Penelope, in July 2019. However, their romance fizzled out by December of that year, leaving Kelly free to pursue her current relationship with the Dutch racing phenom.
Academically, Kelly is no slouch either. She attended prestigious institutions, including the International School of Nice, St Clare’s Oxford, and Marymount Manhattan College, where she earned a degree in Politics and International Relations. This intellectual foundation complements her glamorous life, as she balances motherhood, a high-powered relationship, and a flourishing career.
As the world watches the high-speed drama of Formula 1 unfold, Kelly Piquet remains a captivating figure, embodying the blend of beauty, brains, and racing royalty. With her influential social media presence boasting over 1.7 million followers on Instagram, she is not just a partner of a racing champion but a force to be reckoned with in her own right. As fans anticipate the future of both Kelly and Max, one thing is for sure: this power couple is set to continue making waves on and off the track.
