In a whirlwind of romance and family milestones, Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen has taken his relationship with girlfriend Kelly Piquet to the next level, announcing their engagement just before the F1 summer break came to a close.

The Red Bull racing champion, known for his fierce competitiveness on the track, revealed a softer side as he shared the joyous news of his proposal to the Brazilian model and daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet.

But the real tear-jerker came from an unexpected source: Kelly’s five-year-old daughter, Penelope, who melted hearts by calling Max “Dad” for the first time during the couple’s sacred moment.

Max Verstappen, 27, and Kelly Piquet, 36, have been one of F1’s most captivating power couples since they began dating in 2020.

Their relationship, built on a shared passion for motorsport and a deep mutual understanding, has flourished despite a nine-year age gap.

The couple welcomed their first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 together, a daughter named Lily, in May 2025, adding to their blended family that includes Penelope, Kelly’s daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

The engagement news broke like a thunderclap across social media, with Max sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram: “She said YES!  Forever with my love, Kelly.” The post featured a black-and-white photo of the couple embracing under a starlit sky, with Kelly’s sparkling engagement ring catching the light.

Fans flooded the comments with congratulations, but it was the story behind the proposal—and Penelope’s unexpected gesture—that truly stole the show.

According to sources close to the couple, Max proposed to Kelly during an intimate getaway in Sardinia, where the family was spotted enjoying quality time in the upmarket Porto Cervo area. The setting was picture-perfect: a candlelit dinner on a private beach, with the Mediterranean waves lapping in the background.

As Max got down on one knee, presenting Kelly with a stunning oval-cut diamond ring, the moment was already brimming with emotion. But it was Penelope, watching from nearby, who elevated the occasion to something truly unforgettable.

Penelope, who has long seen Max as a beloved figure in her life, has always called him by his name or affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Max.” The little girl, now five, has grown up with Max as a constant presence, cheering him on from the Red Bull pit box during races and sharing playful moments at their Monaco home.

Max has embraced his role as a “bonus dad,” treating Penelope with a warmth and care that has won over fans and Kelly alike. “I also really appreciate how he treats Penelope. It’s so sweet to see,” Kelly said in a previous interview.

But during the proposal, as Kelly tearfully accepted Max’s ring, Penelope ran forward, her braided hair adorned with purple and pink princess clips, and threw her arms around Max.

In a moment that left both Max and Kelly speechless, she looked up at him and said, “I love you, Dad.” It was the first time Penelope had ever called Max “Dad,” a milestone that caught the couple off guard and brought tears to their eyes. “Max was floored,” a source revealed.

“He’s always been careful not to overstep with Penelope, knowing she has a relationship with her biological father, Daniil Kvyat. But hearing her call him ‘Dad’ was a moment of pure joy.”

The significance of Penelope’s gesture wasn’t lost on Max, who has spoken candidly about his bond with her. “I’m not the father, that’s not the aim,” he told Time last year, emphasizing the importance of Penelope’s relationship with Kvyat. “But I love being there for her, seeing her grow.”

Yet, Penelope’s choice to call him “Dad” in such a pivotal moment suggests she sees Max as more than just a stepfather figure.

Fans on social media were quick to praise the blended family’s dynamic, with one Reddit user commenting, “As a stepdad, you learn there’s no such thing as a stepdad—you’re either all in or you’re not. Max seems all in.”

Kelly, who has always prioritized Penelope’s happiness, was visibly moved by her daughter’s words. She later shared a carousel of photos from the Sardinia trip on Instagram, including a snap of Penelope holding 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 Lily, her face covered with a heart emoji for privacy.

“My heart is so full,” Kelly captioned the post, hinting at the emotional weight of the engagement and Penelope’s gesture. Fans noticed Max’s absence from the photo dump, sparking questions about his whereabouts, but sources clarified he was simply behind the camera, capturing the family’s joy.

The engagement comes on the heels of a whirlwind year for Max and Kelly. After announcing their pregnancy in December 2024, they welcomed Lily during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, with Max skipping media day to be by Kelly’s side.

His dedication to family has only endeared him further to fans, who admire how he balances his high-octane career with his personal life. “Even if you have a bad race, when you get back home, it doesn’t really matter,” Max said after a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix.

“You see the little girl smiling at you, and you’re like, it’s okay.”

As for wedding plans, Max has remained coy, previously telling HELLO! magazine, “The right day will come when we feel like we are stamping our relationship on paper.”

Kelly, too, has hinted at marriage, accidentally referring to Max as her “husband” during a podcast before quickly correcting herself: “I mean, I’m not married yet!”

With their engagement now official, speculation is rife about a lavish Monaco wedding, given the couple’s glamorous lifestyle and combined net worth of over £165 million.

For now, Max and Kelly are basking in their engagement glow, with Penelope’s heartwarming gesture serving as a reminder of the family they’ve built. “Penelope holding Lily is the cutest thing I’ve seen,” one fan commented online, while another added, “Seeing Lily take after Max and Penelope calling him ‘Dad’—this is a happy family.”

As Max prepares to return to the F1 track, with Kelly and Penelope cheering from the sidelines, the world can’t help but root for this blended family’s next chapter. From world championships to heartfelt family moments, Max Verstappen is proving he’s a champion both on and off the track.