The Formula 1 world is once again in the grip of the Verstappen family, this time due to a remarkable development involving Jos Verstappen and his son Max’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet. Jos, former Formula 1 driver and the driving force behind Max’s success, recently took a step that further puts the family dynamic and Max and Kelly’s relationship in the spotlight. Max Verstappen, four-time world champion, confirmed the news in an interview with Viaplay shortly after the Monaco Grand Prix, hinting at a positive turn of events. While the full details are not yet public, sources such as GPBlog and RacingNews365 point to a possible engagement or marriage plans between Max and Kelly, shortly after the birth of their daughter Lily in May 2025.
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lily, in early May, which has already generated a lot of media attention. The couple, who have been together since 2020 and live in Monaco, also share care for Kelly’s daughter Penelope from her previous relationship with former racing driver Daniil Kvyat. Lily’s birth was widely celebrated in the Formula 1 world, with congratulations from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and drivers such as Oscar Piastri. However, a recent move by Jos Verstappen seems to add a new layer to this story. According to media speculation, including an article on Goals and Glamour, Jos is said to have played an active role in encouraging a marriage between Max and Kelly, possibly to strengthen family ties after the arrival of their daughter.
Jos Verstappen, who is known for his direct involvement in Max’s career, has always had a strong influence on his son’s life. However, his relationship with Kelly Piquet has been strained in the past, as reported by Mannenzaken.nl in 2021, with it being suggested that Jos and Kelly often avoided each other in the paddock. The recent development, which Max described as “a nice step” during his Viaplay interview, points to a reconciliation or a concerted effort from Jos to support his son’s relationship. Sources close to the family suggest that Jos, who married his wife Sandy Sijtsma in 2019, may have pushed for a formal commitment between Max and Kelly, inspired by the stability his own marriage has brought.
While there has been no official confirmation of an engagement or marriage, Max’s statements and Jos’ actions are fueling the rumors. Max said in Monaco, “My dad and Kelly had a good talk, and I’m glad they came up with something beautiful together. It’s good for all of us.” This points to a major step, possibly a marriage proposal, especially since Jos and Sandy have recently solidified their own family life with the birth of their children Jason Jaxx and Mila Faye. The timing, right after Lily’s birth, suggests that Jos may have been pushing for a further commitment to strengthen the family bond, a sentiment Max seems to share.
The Formula 1 community is abuzz with speculation, partly due to Lily’s racing genes, with both Jos and Kelly’s father, three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, as grandparents. The media, including De Telegraaf, emphasize that a marriage between Max and Kelly would be a symbolic union of two Formula 1 dynasties. Still, Max remains reticent about details: “Time will tell,” he said about wedding plans, a statement he made earlier in an interview with Blick.
For Jos, this move seems to be a way to support his son in a new phase of his life, both personally and professionally. Despite his turbulent love history, including relationships with Sophie Kumpen and Kelly van der Waal, Jos has found a stable base with Sandy, which may strengthen his motivation to encourage Max and Kelly. The tensions between Jos and Kelly seem to have been smoothed out, which paves the way for a closer family bond.
As Max prepares for the Canadian Grand Prix, some of the attention remains focused on his private life. The possible engagement or marriage plans with Kelly, supported by Jos, promise a new chapter for the Verstappen family. The Formula 1 world is eagerly awaiting further developments, both on and off the track, as the Verstappens continue to make their mark on the sport and beyond.
