Kelly Piquet: More Than Just Max Verstappen's Girlfriend—A Life of Racing, Fashion, and Independence
Formula 1 World Champions: A legacy of racing legends
Kelly Piquet: More Than Just Max Verstappen's Girlfriend—A Life of Racing, Fashion, and Independence
Learn about Kelly Piquet, the fashion model, wellness coach, and daughter of racing legend Nelson Piquet. Discover her journey from motorsport legacy to fashion and her life with Max Verstappen.
Kelly Piquet is often recognized as the girlfriend of Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen, but her life story goes far beyond this high-profile relationship. With a rich family legacy in motorsport, a flourishing career in fashion, and a growing influence in wellness, Kelly Piquet has carved out a path that reflects her independence, influence, and ambition. Here’s everything you need to know about this multifaceted woman.
A Racing Dynasty: Famous Father Nelson Piquet
The Piquet name is synonymous with motorsport excellence. Kelly is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, a legendary Formula 1 driver and three-time World Champion. Nelson’s career, which included victories with Brabham and Williams in the 1980s, made him a dominant figure in F1 history. Motorsport runs deep in Kelly’s veins, with her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., also making his mark in F1, racing for Renault. Another sibling, Pedro Piquet, competes in Formula 2, furthering the family’s legacy in motorsport.
Meeting Max Verstappen
Although Kelly had long been immersed in motorsport, her connection to Max Verstappen began through her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., who was a friend of the young F1 star. The two first met in Monaco in 2016, and despite an initial age difference—Kelly is nine years older than Max—they eventually started dating in 2020. Their relationship was confirmed in 2021, and since then, the couple has been frequently in the spotlight. Kelly describes their relationship as “easy-going,” and despite occasional rumors, the two appear to be as happy as ever.
Kelly's Previous Relationship with Daniil Kvyat
Before her romance with Verstappen, Kelly was in a relationship with Russian F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. The couple started dating in 2016 when Kvyat was racing for Toro Rosso, and in 2019, they welcomed their daughter, Penelope. However, the relationship ended later that year. Kelly has often spoken highly of Max’s bond with her daughter, Penelope, and has expressed her hopes of expanding their family in the future.
A Life Spanning Continents
Born in Homburg, Germany, on December 7, 1988, Kelly's upbringing was as international as it gets. She spent much of her early life in the South of France, before moving to Brazil at age 12, where she stayed until she was 15. Afterward, Kelly relocated to England for high school, followed by a move to New York City to pursue a degree in international relations at Marymount Manhattan College. It was in New York that Kelly discovered her passion for fashion, which would go on to shape her career.
A Career in Fashion and Wellness
Kelly’s career in fashion began in New York, where she worked as a stylist assistant for Vogue Latin America and as a luxury buyer for Bergdorf Goodman. Her modeling career also took off, with Kelly walking in fashion shows and gracing the covers of numerous magazines. In 2023, she appeared on the cover of Vogue Netherlands, where she posed for an F1-themed shoot that highlighted her racing roots and fashion sense.
Beyond fashion, Kelly has also embraced a career in wellness. Since 2018, she has worked as a health and wellness coach in Monaco. This role complements her other ventures and reflects her desire to stay independent while pursuing her passion for well-being.
An Independent Spirit
Kelly takes great pride in her independence and hopes to pass this value on to her daughter, Penelope. In an interview with Dutch entertainment show RTL Boulevard, Kelly shared her dream of creating a charity project for children, drawing inspiration from her time volunteering in Tanzania, where she taught English to children. This experience was one of the happiest moments of her life, and it further cemented her commitment to giving back.
In addition to her philanthropic ambitions, Kelly has achieved financial success. While her wealth may not rival Max Verstappen’s millions, her net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1 million, according to reports from Essentially Sports.
Rising as an Influencer
Kelly has successfully built a platform as a social media influencer. With over 1.1 million followers on Instagram, she shares glimpses of her life, including fashion content, family moments, and experiences with Max. Her social media presence extends into motorsport, where she has contributed to Formula E’s online platforms, further solidifying her connection to the racing world.
A Woman of Legacy and Influence
Kelly Piquet’s life is a testament to her resilience, independence, and ability to carve out her own legacy. As the daughter of a racing legend and partner to one of Formula 1's top drivers, Kelly’s ties to motorsport are undeniable. However, she has shown that she is much more than just Max Verstappen’s girlfriend. From fashion to wellness, philanthropy, and social media influence, Kelly has built a career and life that continues to inspire. Kelly Piquet is a woman of influence, legacy, and undeniable independence.
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