In a world where social media often turns toxic, Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has broken his silence to defend his girlfriend Kelly Piquet after she became the target of online harassment. The 27-year-old Dutchman, who typically avoids addressing social media hate, voiced his concerns after witnessing the relentless negativity Piquet faced, particularly as it began affecting her professional life.
Verstappen, who has won back-to-back F1 championships, expressed his frustration during a recent interview, calling out the extreme behavior of online abusers. He stated that it was not only bizarre but disturbing to see how far people could go in harassing someone, to the point of interfering with their work.
“It’s very bizarre that it’s even going to affect her work… You know, that’s pretty extreme,” Verstappen remarked, clearly disturbed by the impact the abuse had on Piquet.
While Verstappen is known for his hard-nosed attitude on the racetrack, off-track, he has often advised Piquet to ignore the negativity that floods social media. However, the abuse has escalated to a level that even Verstappen, who typically brushes off online critics, can no longer tolerate.
“I’ve always been someone who says ignore, ignore, ignore and don’t pay any further attention to it,” he said. “But at a certain point, you just can’t ignore it anymore, because it really takes it to the limit how far people go.”
Verstappen’s decision to speak out highlights the emotional toll that online hate can have, not only on public figures like Piquet but also on their loved ones. He suggested that jealousy and envy are driving factors behind such cruel behavior, explaining that people who can’t stand seeing others succeed often lash out with hurtful comments instead of offering support.
“It really goes a long way in how bad people can actually be,” Verstappen noted. “Some are, I think, generally also very jealous. It might also have something to do with that. Jealousy, envy: things like that.”
For Piquet, a model and public figure, the constant criticism is part of the downside of being in the public eye. Though she tries to maintain a positive image and focus on her career, the barrage of online harassment can take a serious toll on her mental health—a reality that Verstappen has now chosen to confront head-on.
In an era where social media can make or break reputations, Verstappen’s support for Piquet serves as a reminder that even those at the top of their game aren’t immune to the darker side of fame. While the F1 champ may have won battles on the track, he’s now standing up to fight against the toxicity of online abuse, hoping to set a precedent for better behavior in the digital age.
