Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet: A New Chapter Begins

Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet have announced they are expecting their first child together, sharing their joyous news on social media. This exciting announcement unfolds just days before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of Verstappen's remarkable season, where he clinched his fourth world championship title.

The Announcement

On November 6, 2023, the couple took to Instagram, posting a heartwarming black and white maternity photo featuring Verstappen lovingly embracing Piquet, who is showing off her baby bump. Their post included the caption, “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn't be happier with our little miracle.” The announcement has since garnered congratulations from fans, friends, and fellow Formula 1 personalities, including comments from MotoGP racer Marc Marquez and drivers like Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

A Rich Racing Heritage

Max and Kelly's relationship is steeped in a legacy of motorsport. Verstappen, 27, comes from a racing family; his father, Jos Verstappen, was an F1 driver in the 1990s and 2000s. Kelly Piquet, 35, is the daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet and has her own ties to motorsport through her brother Nelson Piquet, Jr., who raced for Renault and won the inaugural Formula E Championship in 2014-15.

Journey of Their Romance

• First Meeting (2016): Kelly and Max first crossed paths in Monaco during a dinner with Kelly's brother. They hit it off instantly, as Kelly recounted in an interview, saying, “Something magical happened that night.”
• Dating (2020): After Kelly ended her previous relationship with driver Daniil Kvyat, with whom she shares a daughter named Penelope, she began dating Verstappen in 2020. Despite a nine-year age gap, their shared passion for racing solidified their bond.
• Going Public (2021): The couple went public about their relationship on New Year's Day in 2021, with sweet Instagram posts celebrating their love. Kelly expressed the sentiment, “Love is what makes the world go round.”
• Celebrating Milestones: Throughout their time together, they have publicly celebrated various milestones, including birthdays and holidays, showcasing their deep affection for one another. For example, Kelly shared a sentimental birthday post on Max's birthday in September 2021, expressing her pride in his achievements.

Messages of Support and Joy

Following their pregnancy announcement, Kelly took to social media to thank friends and followers for their warm messages of congratulations. She notably addressed the sensitivity surrounding pregnancy announcements, particularly for those who might be struggling with infertility, stating, “I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those who are longing for a child.”

Looking Ahead

As the couple prepares to welcome their first child, many fans are wondering what the future holds for them in terms of marriage and family life. In a recent interview, Verstappen indicated he feels “very, very happy” with Kelly but has no specific plans for marriage at this time, saying, “Only time will tell when we would get married.”

Conclusion

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet's relationship is celebrated not just for its roots in motorsport heritage but also for its personal milestones. As they look forward to their new role as parents, fans and the racing community eagerly await what comes next in their love story.

This journey marks an exhilarating new chapter for both Max and Kelly as they transition from celebrated athletes to parents. Congratulations to the couple as they embark on this remarkable adventure together!