Formula One star Max Verstappen and his long-term girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, have officially announced they are expecting their first child together. This joyful news hit social media on Friday, December 6, shortly before the final race of the F1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The couple broke the news via a heartwarming joint Instagram post where they shared a black-and-white photo showing Verstappen’s hand resting on Piquet’s baby bump. The caption read, "Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way ❤️. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle 💫." Fans and followers showered them with congratulations, celebrating this new chapter for the couple.
Max Verstappen, 27, is hailed as the reigning world champion, having secured his fourth consecutive F1 World Championship title this year. Kelly Piquet, 35, is not only known for her relationship with Verstappen but also for her lineage; she is the daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet. This child is particularly significant for both Verstappen and Piquet, as it marks the first child for Verstappen, whereas Piquet has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Piquet and Kvyat, who dated from 2017 until 2019, share the joys of parenting Penelope, and Verstappen’s entry as her partner adds to this dynamic family. Kelly and Max's romance, blossoming publicly since 2021, began shortly after Kelly and Kvyat split. Despite their nine-year age gap, their mutual connection through the world of racing brings them closer together than ever.
Kelly Piquet took to Instagram and thanked friends and followers for their warm wishes after the pregnancy announcement, showing her sincere appreciation. Alongside her gratitude, she expressed her empathy for those who might find such news difficult, acknowledging the complex emotions surrounding parenting and fertility.
"I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those longing for a child. If you’re struggling, I’m sending all my love and magic your way," she wrote, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. This gesture has been noted by many as it reflects awareness and respect for the varied journeys individuals take when it involves family building.
Before this exciting announcement, Verstappen has maintained focus on his career, entering the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as one of the favorites. His professionalism remains apparent, even during personal transitions. With this race marking the season's finale, Verstappen is poised to continue impressing fans both on and off the track.
Piquet and Verstappen’s relationship became public around January 2021, and since then, they have often shared glimpses of their life together on social media. They appear as a power couple not only due to their individual standings within the motorsport world but also because of their shared experiences and the high-profile escape from the spotlight common in their careers.
The duo first met around 2016 during dinner with Kelly’s brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., and it seems their connection was instantaneous. Kelly described it as feeling something magical, hinting at the chemistry and instantaneous bond formed during their first encounter. Despite their fame and the pressures of their respective careers, they have built what appears to be a solid and loving relationship.
Verstappen’s personal roots are deeply embedded within the racing world, with his father, Jos Verstappen, being a former F1 driver himself. This lineage undoubtedly influences his highly competitive nature as well as his drive for success. Kelly's own background as the daughter of Nelson Piquet adds another layer to their shared experiences, making their union one of common ambition and aspirations.
Now as they navigate this new role as parents-to-be, it remains to be seen how they will balance their professional pursuits alongside family life. Both seem poised to take this next step with excitement and care, balancing Verstappen's rigorous F1 schedule with home life.
With Kelly expected to give birth around April to June 2025, fans eagerly await more updates on the couple as they prepare for the arrival of their little one. Meanwhile, Verstappen's performance on the racetrack could see yet another infusion of motivation, potentially driving him to even greater heights as he embraces the next chapter of his life.
Within the world of Formula One, where personal lives are often under scrutiny, this news has brought nothing but joy. It is not just another race season ending; for Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet, it is the start of their greatest adventure yet—parenthood!