Kelly Piquet Reflects on 'Absolute Disaster' First Encounter with F1 Star Max Verstappen
Kelly Piquet, the long-term partner of Red Bull Formula One driver Max Verstappen, has candidly described their initial meeting as an "absolute disaster", despite the couple now approaching a decade together. The revelation came via a nostalgic social media post where Piquet, daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet, shared throwback images from ten years ago.
Significant Age Gap Highlighted in Throwback Post
In an Instagram upload earlier this week, the 37-year-old Piquet posted numerous snapshots from 2016, including photographs with friends, family gatherings, and an image with the late Niki Lauda. The final picture, a black-and-white shot featuring a young Max Verstappen, garnered the most attention. Piquet's caption detailed that she was 27 when she first met the Red Bull ace, who was just 19 at the time.
Her accompanying text read: "I met this man. The very next day he told me I was the love of his life. Little did I know that 10 years later we'd be celebrating five years together and have a perfect baby girl." In a follow-up comment, she elaborated: "I absolutely did not have a magical night that evening, but there was serendipity in the air."
Mother's Prompt Leads to Candid Admission
The conversation took a humorous turn when Piquet's mother highlighted her daughter's remark about not having a magical night, prompting Kelly to respond frankly: "I would say an absolute disaster." Despite this inauspicious beginning, the couple have built a strong relationship, with Piquet supporting Verstappen through all three of his World Championship victories.
Now nearing six years as a couple, their bond has only strengthened. The year 2025 proved particularly significant for Verstappen, as he became a father for the first time when Piquet gave birth to their daughter, Lily, in May. Reflecting on fatherhood, Verstappen shared: "It was definitely a wonderful experience. I'm so glad I could be there - absolutely. My parents also said, of course, that being there and experiencing everything is the most beautiful thing. That's absolutely true. Seeing your own baby is, of course, very special."
Verstappen's Future Amid Red Bull Speculation
Professionally, 2025 marked the end of Verstappen's four-year reign as F1 world champion, with McLaren's Lando Norris claiming the title. This has sparked considerable speculation about the Dutch driver's future with Red Bull, especially with Mercedes aggressively pursuing his signature.
Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull through 2028, but a provision in his deal could potentially allow him to depart if he finishes below second in the drivers' standings, a clause understood to be reactivated later this year. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert commented on the situation, suggesting Verstappen's loyalty has limits.
Herbert explained: "Loyalty is important, but it can only go so far. When you're in Verstappen's position, you have to have that trust that Red Bull can offer him what he needs to win races. But if Red Bull can't consistently offer him the tools he needs, like in 2025, sometimes, loyalty comes to an end. Feelings can shift because they're not giving you what they should be giving you."
He added: "I think a driver of Max's stature is always looking for the next best thing. That doesn't mean it could be next year, it could be in the next two or three years. All the rumours last season were a sign that Max might be looking elsewhere, let's see."
Despite the professional uncertainties, Verstappen and Piquet's personal journey from a disastrous first meeting to building a family together remains a compelling narrative within the high-octane world of Formula One.
