Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet, daughter of former world champion Nelson Piquet, made their relationship official this year, causing a stir among motorsport fans, as she was previously dating Daniil Kvyat, former Red Bull driver with whom she has a daughter.

© Getty Max Verstappen recently began a relationship with Kelly Piquet

Max Verstappen was crowned Formula 1 champion this year, beating Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling finale at the Abu Dhabi GP. Of course, his great talent as a driver was not the only thing that made him make headlines this year.

The Dutchman began a love affair with Kelly Piquet, daughter of former Brazilian world champion Nelson Piquet, winner in 1981, 1983 and 1987. A story that could be understood by the passionate nature of those involved, however it brought much controversy in the motor world.

This is because the Brazilian was the ex-girlfriend of Russian Daniil Kvyat, who had long raced for Red Bull and was Max Verstappen’s teammate in the development team of the energy drink brand, with whom he had a good relationship. The love between Kvyat and the Brazilian model was going from strength to strength, since in July 2019 they became parents to little Penelope.

Of course, as in many relationships, nothing lasts forever. In 2020, they ended their relationship and that’s when Verstappen proved to be just as fast as when he gets into a car. He split from Dilara Sanlik, his girlfriend at the time, and went full throttle with Kelly before leaving for Brazil to spend New Year’s 2021. There, they made their romance official.

“Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in so many ways. I wish you all the success, love and happiness as I found mine,” Max said, to which his girlfriend – nine years older – replied, “love is what makes the world go round. Happy New Year and lots of love.”

The bond between the two grew throughout the year, which was reflected in the media after Verstappen’s victory in Monaco, where Kelly went to greet him and her kiss on the helmet went around the world.

Kelly greets Max after his victory in Monaco. Photo: Getty

In Abu Dhabi, the São Paulo native was seen very excited after Max’s victory. Surely a nice holiday awaits him now in Brazil, where the Dutchman is happy to spend time with his girlfriend’s whole family, while Kvyat says he is “on a break” before racing again.

Kelly is emotional after Verstappen’s victory in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Getty

Kelly Piquet and Max enjoy themselves in the pool with the daughter that the Brazilian model had with the pilot Daniil Kvyat. Photo: Instagram @kellypiquet

Daniil Kvyat (left) alongside Max Verstappen in 2019. Photo: Instagram @maxverstappen1