In a rare and heartwarming moment away from the racetrack, Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen surprised the world with a spectacularly romantic gesture for his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet . While the couple enjoyed a holiday in the sunny south of France, Verstappen chose to show his love in an unforgettable way – literally high in the sky.
On a warm summer evening over picturesque Saint-Tropez , a giant hot air balloon appeared with elegant gold lettering reading,
“I will love you forever, Kelly Piquet.”
Tourists and locals looked up in amazement as the balloon glided over the coastline, illuminated by the setting sun. Photos and videos of the scene quickly spread on social media, where fans wondered what had inspired this grand gesture.
But the most surprising moment was yet to come.
According to eyewitnesses, the balloon landed a few kilometers away at a private estate just outside Saint-Tropez, where Verstappen was waiting for his girlfriend with a romantic candlelit dinner, prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. And there, amid flowers and soft music, Verstappen—according to various sources—got down on one knee .
While neither Verstappen nor Piquet have officially confirmed the news, it seems an engagement is in the air. Kelly Piquet was spotted later that evening wearing a striking ring on her left hand, sparking even more speculation and excitement among their fans worldwide.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #MaxKellyEngaged exploded , with thousands of fans sending well-wishes to the couple.
One fan wrote:
From world champion to world romantic! Max, you’ve got not only speed, but also style.
Others praised the Dutchman for his rare public display of love, something he usually keeps private. “This shows that behind that cool, focused driver is also a man with a big heart,” said a well-known Formula 1 commentator.
Kelly Piquet , daughter of former world champion Nelson Piquet, later shared a photo of her and Max under the balloon on Instagram, with the caption:
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“Magic exists… and I live in it.
”
Max Verstappen’s romantic act offers fans a rare glimpse into his private life, far removed from the intense pressure of the F1 season. It reveals a softer side of the three-time world champion – one who isn’t afraid to show his heart to the world.
Whether it’s an engagement or simply a celebration of love – one thing is certain: Max Verstappen has not only won the heart of Kelly Piquet, but once again that of millions of fans around the world.
