Max Verstappen’s Girlfriend: Who Is Kelly Piquet?

Max Verstappen has become a household name in the world of Formula 1, widely recognized for his fearless driving and consecutive championship victories. Yet, off the track, Verstappen’s personal life often attracts just as much interest—notably his relationship with Kelly Piquet. Their romance intertwines fame, sports legacy, and international glamour, making them one of Formula 1’s most fascinating couples.

Introducing Kelly Piquet: Her Origins and Upbringing

  • Full Name: Kelly Tamsma Piquet Souto Maior
  • Date of Birth: December 7, 1988
  • Heritage: Brazilian, German, Dutch

Kelly Piquet was born in the small German town of Homburg but spent much of her childhood in southern France before relocating for several years to Brazil. By age 12, she had already lived across three countries, showcasing a cosmopolitan beginning that would define her adult life. Piquet later attended boarding school in England and studied International Relations in New York at Marymount Manhattan College, laying the groundwork for her multifaceted career.

The Piquet Family: Racing Royalty

  • Kelly’s father Nelson Piquet is a three-time Formula 1 World Champion, earning titles with Brabham and Williams during the 1980s.
  • Her mother, Sylvia Tamsma, is a Dutch model, adding a flair of glamour and style to Kelly’s upbringing.
  • Among Nelson Piquet’s seven children, several are active in motorsport, including Nelson Piquet Jr.—a former F1 and Formula E driver—and Pedro Piquet, known for his career in Formula 2.

The Piquet name resonates deeply within Formula 1, signifying not only victory and technical talent but also a legacy that binds multiple generations to the sport.

Kelly Piquet: Career Beyond the Pit Lane

Modeling, Fashion, and Media

Kelly’s professional life extends well beyond her family’s racing roots. After her studies in New York, she immersed herself in the fashion industry:

  • She worked as a buyer for Bergdorf Goodman, one of New York’s most prestigious luxury department stores.
  • Kelly spent time as an assistant at Vogue Latin America, gaining firsthand experience with global media and luxury branding.
  • She appeared on the cover of Vogue Netherlands in early 2023 and has modeled for renowned brands including Louis Vuitton and PatBo.
  • Her editorial expertise includes a stint as a columnist for Marie Claire in 2014.

With graceful poise and a fashionable eye, Kelly Piquet transitioned seamlessly into modeling, building her own reputation in an industry closely intertwined with celebrity and sport.

Wellness Advocacy

In recent years, Kelly has expanded her interests toward wellness and health. Based in Monaco since 2018, her current role as a “health and wellness coach” reflects her ongoing commitment to living well and helping others achieve balance—a fitting perspective for someone frequently traveling and in the public eye.

Physical Stats

  • Height: Approximately 1.70m
  • Weight: About 55kg

Max Verstappen & Kelly Piquet: How Their Romance Began

The First Encounter

Both steeped in the vibrant world of Formula 1, Kelly and Max first met at a group dinner in Monaco in 2016, organized by Kelly’s brother, Nelson Jr. At the time, Kelly was dating Russian F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, and she and Max were friendly acquaintances, sharing a mutual respect for their family legacies. Interestingly, the age difference—Kelly is nine years older than Max—kept their bond strictly platonic during that period.

Kelly and Daniil Kvyat

In January 2017, Kelly’s relationship with Daniil Kvyat began garnering public attention. The couple welcomed a daughter, Penelope, in July 2019, but their relationship ended later that year. Daniil, who had faced a major career shake-up after being replaced by Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing mid-season, openly discussed his own career challenges and the impact of personal changes.

Family Timeline Table

Year Event Individuals Involved
2016 Max and Kelly meet in Monaco Max, Kelly, Nelson Piquet Jr.
2017 Kelly begins dating Daniil Kvyat Kelly, Daniil
2019 Birth of Penelope Kelly, Daniil
2019 Kelly and Daniil split Kelly, Daniil
2020 Kelly and Max begin dating Max, Kelly
2021 Couple publicly reveal their relationship Max, Kelly
2025 Birth of Lily Max, Kelly

Reconnecting and Going Public

After separating from Kvyat, Kelly reconnected with Max, and their relationship blossomed quickly. By late 2020, the two began dating, bringing their romance to the public eye in 2021. Rumors of a breakup surfaced in 2022; however, these were unfounded, and Kelly has described her bond with Max as “easy going.”

  • Kelly’s social media presence often highlights her support for Max’s career, attending Grand Prix events and sharing posts celebrating their milestones.
  • Fans spotted the couple frequently together at races and exclusive events, confirming their romantic partnership.

Max & Kelly’s Family: Blending Homes and Generations

Children

  • Lily Verstappen-Piquet – Born in May 2025, the couple’s first child together.
  • Penelope Kvyat – Kelly’s daughter from her previous relationship, born July 2019.

Kelly’s older daughter Penelope has long been a focal point in her life, and Max has reportedly developed a close and affectionate bond with her. Kelly has spoken positively about Max’s relationship with Penelope and has hinted at possibilities for expanding their family in the future.

Life in Monaco

The couple resides in Monaco, a city famed for its luxury, privacy, and status as the center of European motorsport. Kelly’s work in wellness, Max’s training and commitments, and the upbringing of their young family are all closely interwoven with the rhythms of this vibrant city-state.

The Dynamic Between Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet

Shared Passions and Mutual Support

  • Kelly is frequently seen at races supporting Max, both in the stands and on social media.
  • Max enjoys sharing his passion for driving with Kelly, even occasionally taking her around tracks such as Barcelona in his Porsche—a gesture that reportedly left her needing to “recover” afterward.
  • The pair’s international lifestyles involve frequent travel, glamorous events, and balancing work with family.

How Their Relationship Defies Stereotypes

Despite their public personas, Kelly and Max maintain an “easy going and happy” relationship. Their age gap (with Kelly being nine years older) and blended family are often subjects of conversation; however, both reject tabloid narratives and focus instead on growing together in a supportive environment.

Kelly Piquet in the Spotlight: Recent Activities

  • In 2022, Kelly appeared as a cover model for Vogue Netherlands and participated in notable fashion campaigns.
  • Her social media presence reflects involvement in lifestyle, wellness, and fashion topics, engaging a broad international audience.
  • In October 2025, Kelly announced the birth of Lily Verstappen-Piquet, celebrating their “little miracle” with family and fans online.
  • Beyond fashion, she also occasionally collaborates with wellness brands and media projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Max Verstappen married to Kelly Piquet?

No, Max Verstappen is not married to Kelly Piquet. They are in a committed, public relationship that began in 2020, but have not yet married.

How old are Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet?

Max Verstappen was born in 1997, making him 27 as of 2025. Kelly Piquet was born in 1988 and is 36 as of 2025, marking a nine-year age gap between them.

Does Kelly Piquet have children?

Yes, Kelly Piquet has two daughters: Penelope, born in 2019 with Daniil Kvyat, and Lily, born in May 2025 with Max Verstappen.

What is Kelly Piquet’s job?

Kelly Piquet is a model, columnist, wellness coach, and fashion industry professional. She has worked with numerous luxury brands and currently promotes health and wellness in Monaco.

Are Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet still together?

Yes, despite rumors in 2022, they remain together and continue to publicly share their happiness and family milestones.

Final Thoughts: Glamour, Family, and the F1 Lifestyle

The partnership between Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet embodies a unique blend of sporting success, family legacy, and modern glamour. Their journey—from a friendly group dinner in Monaco through high-profile careers and parenthood—continues to fascinate fans and observers alike. Kelly’s own achievements and international background complement Max’s racing accomplishments, making them a power couple whose story mirrors the evolving landscape of Formula 1: diverse, dynamic, and deeply rooted in passion for life both on and off the track.