Few relationships in modern Formula 1 have attracted as much attention – and debate – as that between three-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen and Brazilian model Kelly Piquet. Since the couple began dating publicly around 202, their romance has become a constant topic of discussion amongst fans and media alike.
While many observers see the pair’s relationship as one of the most iconic F1 dynamics between a contemporary and prominent power couple, others have questioned aspects of their relationship for a number of reasons. Here’s everything you need to know about why this romantic relationship is as controversial as it has become today.
The Origins of Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s Relationship Draw Criticism
GettyABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 07: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates with his team, Kelly Piquet and Penelope Piquet during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Since both Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet come from deeply embedded F1 motorsport families, it seems only natural that the pair would eventually cross paths. However, those paths are slightly more entangled – and tangled in general – than many observers believe they should be.
When the pair began dating, Kelly Piquet was romantically linked to another Formula 1 competitor. At the time, Piquet was involved with F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, with whom she shares daughter, Penelope. Though Penelope – whom is affectionately called “P” by both Piquet and Max Verstappen – has an affectionate relationship with Verstappen that is often seen on Max’s streaming videos and on the paddock after Grand Prix races, there is debate about the effects of such a public dynamic on Penelope’s father as many casual observers immediately believe that Verstappen is Penelope’s father before the full situation is explained.
The Sources of Additional Controversy in the Pair’s Relationship
GettyRace winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing is congratulated by his girlfriend Kelly Piquet in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 23, 2021 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Despite appearing stable and supportive not just in their co-parenting of Penelope, but also between one another, Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen’s relationship has drawn additional controversy throughout their five years together. One factor fueling debate is the timeline of their early connection. Some critics have pointed out that the two met when Verstappen was still a teenager, with Piquet being several years older than her current partner.
Although there is no evidence that a romantic relationship began until several years later when he was already an adult and an established Formula 1 driver, the age difference still draws controversy and criticism from many commentators and those with hesitancy to support the relationship. Moreover, not only is age a potential point of debate in the pair’s dynamic, but the fact that there was likely crossover between the end of the Piquet’s relationship with Kvyat and the beginning of her relationship with Verstappen makes for additional argument against the couple’s romance.
Max Verstappen has always publicly defended Kelly Piquet and their relationship, though that hasn’t done much to quell the debate over the pair’s association. Now that they share a second daughter, Lily, it is clear that their relationship can sustain both online and in-person criticism even as there is little evidence that both mild and extreme outrage towards their origins is unlikely to go anywhere any time soon.
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s Controversial Relationship