Who Is Max Verstappen's Girlfriend, Kelly Piquet
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Who Is Kelly Piquet?
Kelly Piquet is far more than “just” the girlfriend of Max Verstappen. She is a Brazilian-Dutch model, columnist, blogger, public relations professional and influencer. Born on 7 December 1988 in Homburg, Germany, Kelly carries a rich heritage — her father is legendary three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, and her mother, Sylvia Tamsma, is a former Dutch model.
Kelly is multilingual and global-minded. She studied at boarding schools across Europe in her youth, and later moved to New York where she graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a degree in International Relations (specializing in political science and economics).
Her upbringing — split between Germany, France, Brazil and the United States — reflects a cosmopolitan background that laid the foundation for a multi-faceted career spanning fashion, media and motorsport culture.
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| Who Is Max Verstappen's Girlfriend, Kelly Piquet |
Early Life and Education
Kelly’s childhood stretched across several countries. Born in Germany, she spent years living in Brazil and France before moving to the United States. The multicultural upbringing helped shape her open, adaptable personality. She speaks multiple languages and comfortably navigates different cultures, which later became an advantage in her career.
She attended boarding school in France and eventually relocated to New York, where she studied International Relations at Marymount Manhattan College with a focus on political science and economics. During her studies, she experimented with internships in fashion, journalism and public relations, discovering a natural ability for communication and media work.
This early mix of diplomacy, fashion and storytelling would later become a signature of her professional identity.
Career: Fashion, Media and Motorsport
Although she was born into a world of racing champions, Kelly did not rely on her family name to secure success. She began in the fashion industry, interning with major brands and developing experience in PR, styling and editorial work. She later wrote columns, developed lifestyle content and built a digital presence that blended elegance with authenticity.
Her modeling work expanded steadily. She walked in fashion shows, appeared in editorial campaigns and evolved into a respected figure within the lifestyle and luxury space. Kelly’s aesthetic — refined, effortless, understated — resonated with global audiences.
Later, she took on a communications role with Formula E, diving into social-media management and content creation. This job allowed her to merge her media skills with her motorsport heritage, establishing her as both credible and relatable within the racing community.
Through these roles she built a strong personal brand: modern, international and grounded, with a unique mixture of fashion and motorsport DNA.
Family and Racing Heritage
Kelly Piquet comes from one of racing’s most recognized families. Her father, Nelson Piquet, is a three-time Formula 1 world champion. Her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., competed in Formula 1 and later became a Formula E champion. Many of her relatives have careers tied to motorsport, making the Piquet name one of the most storied in the sport.
Yet Kelly rarely leverages that legacy loudly. Instead, she presents herself as someone who respects her family's achievements while forging her own path. Her worldliness — shaped by Brazil, Europe and the United States — helps her stand out from the typical racing-family narrative.
This balance between heritage and individuality has become one of the key reasons she attracts public interest.
How Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen Met
Kelly and Max first crossed paths in Monaco in 2016. They were introduced through mutual acquaintances, including Kelly’s brother. At the time, Kelly was in a different relationship, and the encounter remained casual.
Years later, in 2020, their paths crossed again under different circumstances. After Kelly’s previous relationship ended, she and Max reconnected. By late 2020, the two began dating quietly. Their relationship went public in early 2021 when Max shared a photo celebrating the new year together.
For fans, the pairing made sense. Kelly understood motorsport better than most partners thanks to her upbringing. Max, meanwhile, was entering the prime of his career. Their worlds aligned naturally, without theatrics or forced publicity.
Life Together: Partnership, Support and Family
Kelly and Max have maintained a steady relationship since 2020. Kelly is often seen supporting Max at Grand Prix weekends, though always with a calm presence rather than the glamorous attention typically associated with F1 partners. She appears comfortable in the paddock without demanding the spotlight.
In 2024, the couple shared the news that they were expecting a child. In 2025 they welcomed their daughter, Lily, marking a joyful new chapter in their lives.
Kelly is also mother to a daughter named Penelope, born in 2019 from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Max has formed a close bond with Penelope, and the blended family often appears together in photos and events.
Despite living in the public eye, Kelly and Max avoid oversharing. They rarely comment on their private life and do not rush into engagement or marriage simply to satisfy public curiosity. Instead, they focus on building a stable, supportive partnership.
Kelly Piquet’s Public Image
Kelly’s public persona is polished yet warm. She embraces luxury fashion but avoids the exaggerated glamour often associated with high-profile partners. Her online presence showcases travel, motherhood, fashion and small glimpses of motorsport life, always presented with restraint.
She is seen as elegant, global and grounded. This mix appeals to fans, especially those who appreciate the quieter, more thoughtful side of the racing world.
Why Kelly Piquet Matters
Kelly Piquet is influential for three reasons:
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Her career in fashion, media and communications makes her more than a celebrity partner.
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Her heritage connects her to one of motorsport’s most iconic families.
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Her identity — a confident, independent woman with global experience — resonates with audiences worldwide.
She stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity: a woman from racing royalty who built a career outside of it, only to return to the F1 world on her own terms.
What’s Next for Kelly and Max?
As Max Verstappen continues to dominate Formula 1, Kelly will remain a significant presence in the sport’s social and cultural landscape. Her fashion influence is growing, and her international lifestyle makes her a natural fit for collaborations with luxury brands.
With two children in her life and a partner at the top of his career, Kelly balances family, ambition and public visibility with notable poise.
Whether she continues expanding in fashion, content creation or motorsport media, Kelly Piquet’s journey is far from finished. And as long as Formula 1 keeps the world watching, her name will continue to captivate audiences just as strongly as the man she stands beside.
