The Formula 1 world is used to sensation on the circuit, but this time the biggest news from Max Verstappen comes next to the track. The four -time world champion has dropped a bomb with a candid revelation about his relationship with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, who left fans and media with surprise. None other than his father, Jos Verstappen, confirmed the news, so that the speculations only increased. What is the big secret that Verstappen finally shared, and why does this cause so much fuss?
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have been a couple since 2020, and their relationship has always been closely followed by the media. Kelly, the daughter of triple world champion Nelson Piquet, is no stranger to the Formula 1 world. She had previously had a relationship with driver Daniil Kvyat, with whom she had a daughter, Penelope. Since she is with Verstappen, the couple seems inseparable. From romantic photos on Instagram to joint performances in the Paddock, Max and Kelly have never kept their love hidden. But during a recent interview withDe TelegraafIn Abu Dhabi, Verstappen made a revelation that again aimed the spotlights: the couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter in April 2025.
The announcement came as a surprise, although rumors about a pregnancy had been around for some time. Verstappen, known for his reluctance about his private life, shared the news with a mix of pride and sobriety. “It’s time to tell everything,” he said with a smile. “Kelly and I are very happy, and we look forward to entering into this new adventure together.” Jos Verstappen, who has always played a major role in Max’s life and career, was one of the first to know. In the same interview withDe TelegraafJos revealed: “I knew it for a while. I know my son well, and you see it. I am very happy for them.”
The arrival of a child marks a new phase for Verstappen, which has already built up an unparalleled career at the age of 27. Some fans wondered if paternity would influence his focus on Formula 1, especially after a difficult 2024 season in which McLaren Red Bull was passed. Verstappen reassured them: “I keep racing, and 2025 will be a crucial year for our team.” Jos supported this by emphasizing that Max ’dedication to the sport remains unchanged, despite the changes in his private life.
The relationship between Max and Kelly has not been without controversy. Tensions arose in 2021 when Kelly expressed fierce criticism via Instagram on Lewis Hamilton after a collision with Max in Great Britain. This led to rumors about a conflict with Jos, who did not appreciate Kelly’s statements. The two would even have depicted each other on social media and avoided each other in the paddock. Although these rumors have never been fully confirmed, the relationship between Jos and Kelly now appears to be more stable, especially now that they are celebrating the upcoming parenthood together.
For Kelly this means her second child, after her daughter with Kvyat. She has always shown herself strongly in the spotlight, despite the pressure of Formula 1 life and online hatred that she sometimes receives. She recently shared an emotional message on Instagram, in which she called on fans to omit negative reactions. Verstappen fully supports her in this and emphasized in an interview withF1maxabHow important her support is for him, both on and next to the job.
With the Grand Prix of Belgium approaching, where Verstappen promised to take “revenge” on McLaren, the focus on his performance remains great. But the unveiling about his upcoming paternity adds a human dimension to the fearless driver. Fans worldwide congratulate the couple, while others speculate about how family life will form Verstappen. One thing is certain: the combination of his unparalleled talent and this new phase of life makes Max Verstappen an even more fascinating figure in Formula 1.
